IVF – NHS Choices – Your health, your choices

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of several techniques available to help couples with fertility problems to have a baby.

During IVF, an egg is surgically removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, now called an embryo, is then returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop.

Readmore informationabouthowIVF is performed.

IVF doesn't always result in pregnancy and it can be both physically and emotionally demanding.If you're going through IVF, you should be offeredcounselling to help you through the process.

Read more aboutsupport available during IVF.

In 2013, theNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) publishednew guidelinesabout who should have access to IVF treatment on the NHS in England and Wales.

According to the guidelines,women aged under 40 should be offered three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if:

However, if tests showIVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should be referred for IVF straight away.

If you turn 40 during treatment, the current cycle will be completed, but further cycles should not be offered.

The guidelines also say women aged between 40 and 42 should be offered one cycle of IVF on the NHSif all of the following four criteria are met:

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IVF - NHS Choices - Your health, your choices