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IN VITRO FERTILIZATION IVF
Category: Obstetrics Gynecology
Abstract : In vitro fertilization Definition In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a
procedure in which eggs (ova) from a woman’s ovary are removed, they are
fertilized with sperm in a laboratory procedure, and then the fertilized egg
(embryo) is returned to the woman’s uterus. Purpose IVF is one of
several assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used to help infertile couples to
In vitro fertilization
Definition
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a
procedure in which eggs (ova) from a woman’s ovary are removed, they are
fertilized with sperm in a laboratory procedure, and then the fertilized egg
(embryo) is returned to the woman’s uterus.
Purpose IVF is one of
several assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used to help infertile couples to
conceive a child.
If after one year of having sexual intercourse without the use
of birth control a woman is unable to get pregnant, infertility is suspected.
Some of the reasons for infertility are damaged or blocked fallopian tubes,
hormonal imbalance, or endometriosis in the woman. In the man, low sperm count
or poor quality sperm can cause infertility.
IVF is one of several
possible methods to increase the chances for an infertile couple to become
pregnant. Its use depends on the reason for infertility. IVF may be an option if
there is a blockage in the fallopian tube or endometriosis in the woman, or low
sperm count or poor quality sperm in the man. There are other possible
treatments for these conditions, such as surgery for blocked tubes or
endometriosis, which may be attempted before IVF. IVF will not work for a woman
who is incapable of ovulating or with a man who is not able to produce at least
a few healthy sperm.
Demographics
IVF has been used successfully
since 1978, when the first child to be conceived by this method was born in
England. Over the past 20 years, thousands of couples have used this method of
ART or similar procedures to conceive.
Description
In vitro
fertilization is a procedure in which the joining of egg and sperm takes place
outside of a woman’s body. A woman may be given fertility drugs before this
procedure so that several eggs mature in the ovaries at the same time. The
mature eggs (ova) are removed from the woman’s ovaries using a long, thin
needle. The physician has access to the ovaries using one of two possible
procedures.
One involves inserting the needle through the vagina
(transvaginally); the physician guides the needle to the location in the ovaries
with the help of an ultrasound machine. In the other procedure, called
laparoscopy, a small thin tube with a viewing lens is inserted through an
incision in the navel. This allows the physician to see on a video monitor
inside the uterus to locate the ovaries.
Once the eggs are removed, they
are mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish or test tube. (This is the origin of
the term “test tube baby.”) The eggs are monitored for several days. Once there
is evidence that fertilization has occurred and the cells have begun to divide,
they are then returned to the woman’s uterus. In the procedure to remove eggs, a
sufficient number may be gathered to be frozen and saved (either fertilized or
unfertilized) for additional IVF attempts.
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