Are there other forms of assisted fertilisation?
Yes, there are various techniques, and new advances are being constantly developed. One of the most significant advances in IVF in recent years has been the introduction of a technique called ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection). This works by injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. Some people fear the technique could increase the risk of genetic defects that make the donor infertile being passed on to babies. Another alternative is Intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves putting sperm, which have been sorted for viability, directly into the uterus. The aim is to maximise the number of healthy sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and fertilising an egg. IUI is often combined with ovarian stimulation to increase egg production and improve the rate of success. Are there any risks? Yes. The fertility drugs used to stimulate egg production can produce side effects. In rare instances, the ovaries cannot cope with the increased number of eggs, leading to a condition known a
