Satellite IVF is the term used to describe a treatment cycle in which the egg collection and embryo transfer take place in one unit, with all the other investigations and treatment of the IVF/ICSI cycle monitored in another.

North East London Fertility Services works together with the London Female and Male Fertility Centre in Highgate to provide this service.

Many patients have availed themselves of this facility with excellent results.

In more detail, what actually happens is that all the necessary investigations and assessments are performed at NELFS, with the egg collection and embryo transfer taking place at Highgate, although that Clinic needs to be visited only on those two occasions.

A treatment cycle starts approximately three weeks after the onset of a menstrual period, with a daily administration of a drug to suppress the Pituitary gland in the base of the brain. This is where the hormones to control ovulation are produced. Depending on the clinical situation, either with the onset of a period, or at an arranged time (in the absence of a period), a second drug is taken daily. This stimulates the ovaries. The two drugs are continued together until egg collection, which is initiated by the administration of another drug. In this way, the egg cells are ripened. Scans are performed at the commencement of treatment and at days 6, 8 and 10. Blood tests are also done at the start and days 6 and 10. The scans and blood tests are essential to monitor progress towards egg collection. This all takes place at NELFS.

Arrangements are made with the Clinic at Highgate, and egg collection takes place thirty six hours after the administration of the third drug which ripens the eggs.

Egg collection, using the vaginal ultrasound technique, is performed under sedation. This usually takes forty-five minutes approximately. Some forty-eight hours later, one or two embryos, (produced by the eggs being fertilised) are placed in the womb by injecting them through the neck of the womb using a very soft fine tube.

For two weeks afterwards, a further hormone is given to protect and support the embryos. At the end of this time, a pregnancy test is performed at NELFS.