IVF with your own eggs involves collecting eggs from the ovaries, fertilising them in a laboratory, and transferring resulting embryos into the uterus. This process may be recommended in several situations, and outcomes can depend on factors such as age, embryo quality, and individual medical history.
This guide is based on the webinar “IVF with Own Eggs: A Beginner’s Guide,” presented by Dr Harry Karpouzis, Founder and Scientific Director of IVF Pelargos Fertility Group.
Key Takeaways
- IVF means fertilisation occurs outside the body, in a laboratory
- It may be recommended for blocked tubes, male factor infertility, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility
- Treatment includes stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer
- Success may depend on age, egg number, and embryo quality
- Personalised protocols are important for optimising outcomes
- Additional testing may be required before or after IVF
- Emotional support is an important part of the process
What Is IVF?
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation. This means that fertilisation takes place outside the body, in a controlled laboratory environment.
In practice:
- Eggs are collected from the ovaries
- Sperm is collected from the male partner
- Fertilisation occurs in the laboratory
- Resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus
Any additional embryos can be frozen using vitrification, a modern freezing method that does not compromise embryo quality.
IVF vs ICSI: What Is the Difference?
There are two main fertilisation techniques used in IVF:
Conventional IVF
- Eggs and sperm are placed together
- Fertilisation occurs naturally in the lab
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- A single sperm is injected directly into each egg
ICSI was originally developed for severe male factor infertility but is now commonly used more broadly.
In some situations:
- ICSI may reduce the risk of failed fertilisation, especially when fewer eggs are available
- Conventional IVF may have benefits when sperm quality is excellent, due to natural selection
Why Do Couples Need IVF?
IVF may be recommended in several situations, including:
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility
- Age-related decline in egg quantity and quality
- Endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) not responding to other treatments
It may also be advised when treatments such as ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination (IUI) have not been successful.
When Is a Couple Considered Subfertile?
Fertility timelines depend on age:
- Under 35: after 1 year of trying without success
- Over 35: after 6 months
In some situations, such as limited time or specific medical conditions, IVF may be considered earlier.
When IVF Is the Most Appropriate Option
IVF may be considered the most suitable option when:
- Other treatments have failed
- Both fallopian tubes are blocked
- Ovarian reserve is low
- Faster conception is medically necessary
In some cases, IVF may be preferred over IUI, particularly when ovarian reserve is reduced.
The IVF Process Step by Step
Ovarian Stimulation
Hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles.
Different approaches may include:
- Injectable stimulation
- Semi-natural cycles using tablets
- Natural cycles without medication
Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected through a minor procedure, usually under sedation when multiple follicles are present.
Fertilisation and Embryo Development
Fertilisation occurs using IVF or ICSI. Embryos are then cultured in the laboratory, often to the blastocyst stage (day 5), which may allow better selection.
Embryo Transfer: Fresh or Frozen
Embryos can be transferred:
- In the same cycle (fresh transfer)
- In a later cycle after freezing
Freeze-all strategies may be used in cases such as:
- High hormone levels
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Inadequate endometrial thickness
The Importance of Personalised Stimulation
Treatment protocols are adjusted based on individual factors such as:
- AMH levels
- Antral follicle count
- Hormone levels during stimulation
- Ultrasound monitoring
Even small details such as medication timing or trigger timing, may influence outcomes.
Using Your Own Eggs: Benefits and Limitations
Benefits
- Genetic link to the child
- Emotional value of biological parenthood
Limitations
- Success rates may decline with age
- Egg quality and quantity decrease over time
After age 40, both egg number and quality may significantly decline.
Preparing for IVF: Essential Tests
Before starting IVF, assessment may include:
- AMH testing
- Antral follicle count
- Thyroid function (TSH ideally below 2.5)
- FSH, LH, oestradiol
- Semen analysis
- Ultrasound
Additional tests may be recommended depending on individual history.
What Determines IVF Success?
Number of Eggs Retrieved
Egg number may play a role, especially with age:
- Under 35: around 12 eggs
- 35–37: 15–20 eggs
- 38–40: around 20 eggs
- Over 40: often more than 20 eggs may be needed
Pregnancy may still occur with fewer eggs, but statistically, higher numbers may increase chances.
Embryo Quality and Laboratory Factors
Outcomes may also depend on:
- Embryo grading
- Laboratory quality
- Embryologist expertise
- Use of time-lapse or AI systems
Understanding PGT-A
PGT-A is a genetic test performed on embryos to assess chromosome number.
It may be considered in:
- Women over 40
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Recurrent implantation failure
PGT-A may help reduce miscarriage risk and improve success per transfer, but it does not increase overall cumulative pregnancy rates.
It is also important to note:
- It is an invasive procedure
- Results are not always 100% accurate
- Some embryos may be incorrectly classified
When IVF Does Not Succeed
If IVF is unsuccessful, further cycles or investigations may be considered, including:
- Genetic testing
- Hysteroscopy
- Endometrial assessment
- Immunological testing
- Advanced sperm testing
Supportive approaches such as lifestyle changes or stress management may also be explored.
In some cases, other options such as egg donation or surrogacy may be discussed.
Emotional Support During IVF
IVF can be emotionally demanding.
Support may come from:
- Healthcare professionals
- Family or friends
- Support groups
- Patient communities
Emotional support is considered an important part of the IVF journey.
Looking to the Future
Ongoing developments in IVF include:
- AI-based embryo selection
- Advanced endometrial testing
- PRP and mitochondrial approaches
- Stem cell research
While IVF can be complex, advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes.
IVF with Own Eggs- FAQs
How many eggs are too risky during stimulation?
Modern approaches aim to prevent hyperstimulation. Instead of cancelling cycles, clinics may:
- Adjust medication
- Use specific triggers
- Freeze all embryos
This approach may significantly reduce risk.
Can ICSI be less beneficial than IVF?
In cases with excellent sperm quality, conventional IVF may have advantages due to natural selection. However, ICSI may be preferred when egg numbers are low or male factor infertility is present.
Does IVF increase the chance of twins?
Yes, if more than one embryo is transferred, the likelihood of multiple pregnancy increases.
How can egg quality be improved?
Lifestyle factors and certain supplements may help reduce oxidative stress. However, age and genetics remain the main factors, and there is no guaranteed method to improve egg quality.
Is PGT-A always recommended?
No. It may be more beneficial in specific cases, such as older patients or recurrent failure. It involves balancing potential benefits with its limitations.
