PGD/PGS
Abbey Fertility Clinic does not encourage gender selection for social reasons. We suggest that there is a 50% chance that couples will have a baby of the gender they desire if they conceive naturally. However, many couples travel abroad from the UK to have IVF with PGD for gender selection. In light of this information, we believe it is vitally important that the couples receive a thorough assessment prior to embarking on IVF treatment abroad. It is important that couples are provided with detailed information and that an expert in the field oversees their treatment whilst they are in the UK. The consultants in the UK can only manage the initial part of the cycle, the stimulation of the eggs.
Couples going abroad for IVF treatment may decide to have gender selection for family balancing reasons. Although PGD for sex selection is illegal in the UK, it is legal in Northern Cyprus. You can discuss this option directly with Crown IVF Centre.
Your treatment will involve the following stages:
Initial Consultation
You can choose to have your consultation in London, Liverpool or Manchester. You will have an in-depth consultation with your Consultant Gynaecologist discussing your medical history. It is of great benefit if you bring as much information with you, including results of any recent screening tests you have had done. If you decide to proceed with treatment we will arrange a counseling session for you. This is crucial as we feel it is important for our patients to have ample opportunity to demonstrate they have considered all aspects of IVF with PGD.
Screening Tests and Medication
Both partners will need to be screened for HIV and Hepatitis as well as blood grouping. The male partner will also need a recent semen analysis test, which we can arrange if necessary. Providing the results of the screening tests are acceptable, you will be issued with a prescription and a treatment plan. The medication will be delivered directly to your home. Your UK patient coordinator/nurse is available to answer any questions you may have.
Your Medication Regime
Several steps are required to bring you to a stage where you are ready to fly to Cyprus for Egg Collection. The objective is to produce as many eggs as is safe to ensure you have a good number of eggs to fertilise. In brief the steps are as follows:
a)Follicular Stimulation - Your medical team will confirm with an ultrasound scan that you are ready to start this phase. This stage involves daily injections of a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which encourages the ovaries to produce a good number of eggs for collection and fertilisation in Cyprus. Throughout this phase you will have several ultrasound scans which measure the growth of your follicles. This phase lasts about 10-12 days. On a practical note, towards the end of this phase we will tell you when to schedule your flight to Cyprus.
b) HCG Injection – This is a one-off injection, which prepares your follicles for egg release. This injection and must be taken 36 hours before the scheduled egg collection. As you are flying to Cyprus for the rest of your treatment, the timing of this injection is crucial and we will tell you exactly when to take it.
You will now travel to Cyprus
Your Treatment in Cyprus:
You will attend the clinic in Cyprus for egg collection. Your partner will provide a semen sample during the same visit.
Fertilisation and PGD
Crown IVF Clinic uses ICSI to fertilise the eggs. You will receive regular updates from your coordinator in Cyprus on the progress of your embryos. After approximately 5 days, the laboratory can perform Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in accordance with the testing you have chosen, which may include gender selection.
Embryo Transfer
Crown IVF Clinic will transfer 1 – 2 embryos in accordance with UK regulations. We are aware that multiple pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy. Any high quality embryos that are not transferred can be frozen for future use.
After your embryo transfer you can return home to the UK.
Pregnancy Test
You will be required to take a pregnancy test approximately 2 weeks after the embryo transfer.
Whatever the result, we will continue to provide help, advice and support.