IVF & Fertility Treatments Available in Newcastle

IVF is the most widely known and commonly used fertility treatment. During an IVF cycle, fertility medication stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are collected in a short procedure and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are carefully monitored, and the healthiest is transferred to the womb. A typical IVF cycle takes 4–6 weeks. IVF is recommended for a range of fertility issues including blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, and endometriosis.

ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is selected and injected directly into an egg. This technique is particularly effective when male factor infertility is present — such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. ICSI can also be recommended after a previous IVF cycle where fertilisation was lower than expected. The process is otherwise very similar to standard IVF, with the same egg collection and embryo transfer steps.

IUI is a less invasive fertility treatment that can be a good first step before considering IVF. During IUI, prepared sperm is placed directly into the womb around the time of ovulation, giving sperm a better chance of reaching and fertilising an egg. IUI is often recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or those using donor sperm. It's typically less expensive than IVF and involves fewer medications.

Egg freezing allows you to preserve your fertility for the future. Eggs are collected using the same process as the first part of an IVF cycle and then frozen using a technique called vitrification, which maintains their quality. This option is increasingly popular with those who want to keep their options open — whether for career reasons, because they haven't found the right partner, or before medical treatment that could affect fertility. When you're ready, frozen eggs can be thawed, fertilised, and used in IVF.

For those who are unable to use their own eggs — whether due to age, premature ovarian failure, genetic conditions, or previous cancer treatment — donor egg IVF offers a path to parenthood. A carefully screened, healthy donor provides eggs which are fertilised using your partner's or donor sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred to your womb. All egg donors in the UK are screened to HFEA standards, and the process is handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.