IVF (fertilisation of eggs outside the human body) was originally developed to treat infertility caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. Today, this fertility treatment is one of QFG’s most common and most successful with over a million babies being born through this treatment alone around the world.

Thoughts of an IVF patient

Growing up as a single child was often lonely.  I always wanted a brother or sister.  I was determined that when I had my own family that I would have more than one child.

Like everyone else, I spent much of my early adulthood taking the necessary precautions trying not to get pregnant, safe in the knowledge that when the right man came along, we would settle down and start a family … after all that’s the way I thought it was supposed to happen.

Apparently not … I certainly met the right man .. but we knew something was wrong when our attempts to start a family were just that, attempts, failed attempts month after month after month.

As if the pressure from the parents and the parent in laws wasn’t enough ... the continual roller coaster of emotions each month, placed a great strain on our relationship.

In hindsight, it was the ‘not knowing’ that was the hardest part… why could we not conceive … what was wrong with us ... what was wrong with me.

I was at a routine check up when the GP was asking all the normal questions that I broke down.  I never intended to discuss our challenges with the doctor.  I didn’t feel ready to talk about it with anyone ... I’m not sure I would have ever been ready mind you.

But when I walked out of that Doctors surgery it was like a weight had lifted off my shoulders.

“Did you know there are Doctors out there that just specialise in fertility”.. I told my husband when I got home.

The journey from there was not an easy one … it was however full of answers (not questions like it had been for the last 4 years)

The team at QFG were … are .. amazing.  They made me feel like I was their only patient every step of the way.  It really felt like they wanted me to have a baby just as much as I did.

Our twin boys were born on 30 Jan 2006 and we are currently undergoing treatment in the hope we can ensure there are plenty of brothers and sisters to go around!