Usually, the eggs are collected while you have an ultrasound scan. A thin needle is passed through your vagina and into your ovary. This is done as an outpatient procedure, so you won't need to stay overnight in hospital and you usually won't need a general anaesthetic.

Assisted conception There are many different technologies that can help you to conceive. All of these aim to bring the sperm and an egg, or eggs, close together. The three main methods are as follows.

Intra-uterine insemination (IUI for short) Sperm that have been washed and specially prepared are put inside your womb just before ovulation is due. This is usually the first method offered to couples who have unexplained infertility. It's also useful if there are ejaculation problems or mild problems with the quality of the sperm. IUI can be combined with ovulation induction (see Helping you to ovulate).

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) IVF can be carried out with donor sperm or donor eggs. The sperm and embryos can also be frozen for future use, although there are strict legal rules, supervised by the HFEA, to regulate these procedures. You will need to discuss these methods with your specialist.

In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) licenses clinics offering advanced fertility treatments such as IVF.

Eggs and sperm are mixed in a test tube in a laboratory - this is where the phrase "test-tube baby" comes from. Successful fertilisation can be seen with a microscope after about 12 to 20 hours. One or two embryos are transferred into your womb using a soft plastic tube passed through your vagina. IVF is useful if your fallopian tubes are damaged or have been removed. It can also work well if your subfertility is caused by endometriosis (for women) and for mild sperm problems (for men).

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) A single sperm is injected into an egg in the laboratory and the resulting embryo is transferred to the womb, as with IVF. The cytoplasm is just the scientific name for the insides of the egg cell. This type of fertility treatment is used when there are more serious problems with the sperm or when problems between the egg and sperm are preventing fertilisation.

Complications Complications are when problems occur during or after the treatment.

Ovulation induction increases the chances of having a multiple pregnancy (such as twins). This raises the risk of problems for the mother and baby.

Ovulation induction can also produce a rare condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which the ovary is overstimulated and produces too much of the hormone oestrogen. As a result, the woman is at an increased risk of getting blood clots and chest problems, and may need to go into hospital for monitoring and treatment.

Pregnancies that result from IVF can still be ectopic (the embryo starts to develop outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube). Also, any technique that involves putting instruments into your body can cause infection or damage to internal organs.

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