IVF

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that involves the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

History

The first successful birth of a "test tube baby", Louise Brown, occurred in 1978. Robert G. Edwards, the physiologist who developed the treatment, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.

Procedure

The procedure of IVF involves several steps:

1. Ovulation Induction: Fertility drugs are prescribed to stimulate egg production.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity.
3. Insemination and Fertilization: The male's sperm is placed with the best quality eggs. The mixing of the sperm and egg is called insemination.
4. Embryo Culture: The fertilized egg divides and becomes an embryo.
5. Embryo Transfer: The embryos are then placed in the woman's uterus three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization.

Risks

IVF has several risks including multiple births, premature delivery, and low birth weight, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, ovarian cancer, and stress.

Success Rates

The success rate of IVF depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.

See Also

• Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Fertility
• Infertility
• Reproductive Medicine

References

IVF Resources
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