In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the body, typically in a laboratory setting. This technique allows for the creation of embryos that can then be implanted into a woman's uterus, enabling individuals and couples facing fertility challenges to conceive. The term originates from Latin, meaning 'in glass', highlighting the laboratory environment where this process occurs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully achieved in 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first 'test-tube baby'.
2. The procedure typically involves multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
3. Success rates for IVF can vary widely based on factors like age, reproductive health, and the specific techniques used.
4. IVF can also involve preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos for genetic disorders before they are transferred.
5. The use of donor eggs or sperm is common in IVF when individuals or couples face infertility due to various reasons such as age or genetic issues.

Review Questions

• How does the process of in vitro fertilization differ from natural conception?
  • In vitro fertilization differs from natural conception primarily in that it takes place outside the body. In IVF, eggs are harvested from a woman's ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory setting to create embryos. In contrast, natural conception occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg within the woman's reproductive tract. This method allows for greater control over the fertilization process and is particularly beneficial for couples facing fertility challenges.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding in vitro fertilization and its implications for reproductive rights.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding in vitro fertilization include issues like the fate of unused embryos, access to the technology based on socioeconomic status, and potential discrimination based on genetic selection. Debates often arise over what should happen to embryos that are not implanted or are deemed non-viable. Additionally, the right to access IVF treatments raises questions about reproductive rights and healthcare equity, as not everyone can afford these often costly procedures.
• Evaluate how advances in technology have influenced the success rates of in vitro fertilization and patient experiences.
  • Advances in technology have significantly influenced both the success rates of in vitro fertilization and the overall experiences of patients undergoing this procedure. Improved techniques for embryo culture, selection methods like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and better hormonal treatments have all contributed to higher success rates. Additionally, innovations such as cryopreservation allow for the preservation of embryos and eggs, providing patients more options and flexibility in their family planning. These technological advancements not only enhance the likelihood of successful pregnancies but also improve emotional support through more informed decision-making processes.

Related terms

Gametes: Reproductive cells, specifically eggs (ova) and sperm, that combine during fertilization to form an embryo.

Embryo transfer: The process of placing one or more embryos into a woman's uterus after fertilization, a critical step in IVF.

Oocyte retrieval: A procedure in which eggs are collected from a woman's ovaries for use in IVF, usually performed through a minor surgical technique.