In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help individuals and couples conceive a child. The process involves extracting eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then transferred to the woman's uterus with the goal of establishing a successful pregnancy.

Process

The IVF process includes several key steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: Medications are used to stimulate the woman's ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is monitored through ultrasound and blood tests.
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure typically involving ultrasound guidance.
3. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from a partner or a donor.
4. Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs are cultured in the lab for several days to ensure they are developing properly.
5. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the uterus through the cervix.

Indications

IVF is used to treat infertility with several possible causes:

• Tubal factor infertility due to damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• Male factor infertility, including decreased sperm count or sperm motility
• Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, or uterine fibroids
• Individuals with a genetic disorder
• Unexplained infertility

Risks and Complications

IVF includes certain risks and complications such as:

• Multiple births
• Premature delivery and low birth weight
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
• Egg-retrieval procedure complications
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Emotional and psychological stress

Ethical and Legal Considerations

IVF raises various ethical and legal issues, including:

• The status of unused embryos
• The implications of donor eggs and sperm
• The rights of children born through ART

Success Rates

The success of IVF depends on many factors including maternal age, cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors. Success rates decrease significantly with age, particularly after the age of 35.

History

The first successful IVF pregnancy was achieved in 1978 in the United Kingdom by Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.

See Also

• Assisted hatching
• Cryopreservation
• Embryo transfer
• Oocyte donation