CASE STUDY : IVF (Donor Sperm)

Introduction

In vitro fertilisation, also known as IVF, is a procedure to assist in getting pregnant. A human egg is fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, then implanted into a uterus. If the fertilised egg (embryo) successfully implants in the uterus, this will result in pregnancy.

Presentation

A 36-year-old female client in a same-sex relationship chose IVF transfer using a male friend's donor sperm. She was extremely anxious about the process, and undertook acupuncture treatments to support her during this time.

Treatment

The assisted transfer went well. I saw her weekly leading up to egg harvest, pre and post embryo transfer, then weekly for the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy. We undertook treatments aimed at helping her manage anxiety and nausea. She felt positive about the course of therapy and increasingly positive about her pregnancy. I’m thrilled to report she had a successful natural pregnancy and healthy baby boy in 2013.