As part of The Queen’s Green Canopy seven lime trees have been planted at Bourn Hall Cambridge, one for each decade and each dedicated to a milestone in IVF – one of the greatest scientific and medical achievements made during The Queen’s reign.
Tree 6 – First treatment for a low sperm count – ICSI
Elle, together with Adam Burnley, Lead Embryologist at Bourn Hall Cambridge, planted the sixth tree to commemorate Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which for the first time provided a treatment for a low sperm count.
For ICSI, eggs are collected in the same way as IVF but, rather than being ‘mixed’ with sperm, a single sperm is injected into the centre of each mature egg increasing the chances of successful fertilisation.
In the same way as a conventional IVF cycle, one or two of the embryos can then be transferred to the uterus, and any additional suitable embryos can be frozen for future use.
Bourn Hall’s fertility experts have been performing ICSI for nearly 30 years, making us one of the most experienced centres in the world.
IVF gave us an angel
Elle Elizabeth, from Welwyn Garden City, was born following NHS-funded IVF treatment at Bourn Hall. Her parents Laura and Matt were completely stunned when they were given a diagnosis of male infertility.
Matt remembers that moment Elle was born: “Relief, complete love … breath-taking. It was the best feeling in the world. It felt like those years of emotional and physical turmoil had all been worth it. I wouldn’t change anything for the world, because we’ve got an angel.”
Since October, the family has grown – with little Louis joining just in time for Christmas.
More information
Read more about the planting of Elizabeth’s Wood at Bourn Hall as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative here.
Matt has spoken to us about his experiences of male infertility – read (and watch) here.
Read more about ICSI on our treatments page.
Find out more about the history of IVF and Bourn Hall, the world’s first IVF clinic.
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