Product Description

The most recent studies show that 40,000 cycles of IVF are carried out in the UK each year - and approximately a million are carried out worldwide. It is estimated that at least 200,000 IVF babies are born annually - and this figure is constantly rising. With assisted conception increasing year on year, 'The Complete Guide to IVF' offers an invaluable and insightful approach to the process. Packed with first-hand accounts of patients who have been through it, and Kate Brian's own experience of IVF, this book will de-mystify the treatment and give a 'behind-the-scenes' account of what really happens. Addressing the entire experience, right from the initial clinic visit through to the assisted conception cycle, 'The Complete Guide to IVF' provides an accessible, down-to-earth and reassuring account of using IVF to conceive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11717 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
'...a comprehensive guide to a stressful time in a couple's life. Every part of the process, both scientific and emotional, is covered succinctly by Kate, who has been through it all twice herself.' IRISH TATLER

About the Author
Kate Brian specialises in issues surrounding female fertility. She is a member of the board of Infertility Network UK, and has been a member of a Human fertilisation and Embryology Authority expert advisory panel. She has two children who were born after IVF treatment.

Customer Reviews

Great information and sensitively presented
This is a great, thorough book which is really helpful for understanding the ins and outs of IVF. It's well thought-out and approaches IVF with appropriate sensitivity. Really good for educating yourself about the process and ways to make it easier on yourself and your partner.

Excellent book
This book is great if you want to know all the nitty gritty of IVF. Very well explained facts and what to expect with a combination of personal experiences.

A bible for IVF!
Kate Brian has two children born through IVF and since becoming a mother has written on fertility issues. Her new book 'The Complete Guide To IVF', is just as it says - a complete guide. If you are new to IVF this could become your bible!

Kate guides the reader through the complexities and bewilderment of IVF treatment, explaining what it is and exploring why you may be choosing IVF as an option. She then takes us through the whole procedure from choosing the right clinic for you to your first appointment, what happens behind the scenes in the lab and at embryo transfer. She describes the emotional roller-coaster that IVF often becomes and using fertility counselling to support yourselves through treatment. There is a chapter on using donor sperm and eggs and the male perspective, as she recognises that men often feel isolated during fertility treatment.

Kate and I would disagree on a couple of points in the book - she seems ambivalent about the benefits acupuncture may offer to support people through IVF, and she also questions lifestyle advice that is fairly common place now in some clinics and with fertility advisers such as Zita West e.g. resting after embryo transfer and not flying during the two week wait. However, she provides the reader with an abundance of information which she has gained through her own experience and by talking to and watching IVF professionals at work.

At present, I know of no other resource which provides such a valuable introductory insight into the IVF procedure and for that reason, I would recommend this to anyone who is contemplating their first IVF cycle.