IVF is the abbreviation for in vitro fertilization. As the name suggests this is the union of the ovum and the sperm in the laboratory and not within the body as is the natural case. The union of these two cells forms a zygote that grows and develops into an embryo. Transplantation into the uterus is then done at this embryo stage so that it becomes a pregnancy. Since its inception, this technique has resulted into about 200,000 births in the United States alone.
A number of conditions that cause infertility have greatly benefited from this method. One of these conditions is what is known as endometriosis. This condition is characterized by existence of endometrial tissues in other places other than the uterus. This could be the abdominal cavity, the ovaries and the cervix among others. The tissue is subject to cyclical pain of menstruation and is a recognized cause of infertility in a number of women.
There are several other female-related problems that may benefit. A blocked fallopian tube is a frequent cause of infertility since the ovum cannot travel through it to meet the sperm. Blockage of this tube occurs after an infection in the female genital tract or surgery of the same area. When this occurs due to an infection, the condition is termed salpingitis. Problems of the uterus, whether anatomical or physiological, may also hinder fertilization.
Problems of sperms can also benefit from this treatment. These abnormalities are broadly classified into qualitative and quantitative types. The qualitative types include abnormal morphology and movement. The quantitative abnormalities are those that are characterized by low numbers. If the count is less than 2 million per milliliter, then the chances of fertilization are quite low. Another related problem is that of presence of antibodies to sperm in either the female or male genital tract.
In seeking the treatment for infertility, in vitro fertilization should not be the first option. The choice of which method to choose should be governed by the underlying problem. For example, if the problem is an anatomical defect of the uterus, then this can be surgically corrected and pregnancy attempted. If the problem has been identified to be due to low sperm count, then changes in frequency of intercourse may just provide a solution.
During the treatment, the woman is required to take fertility drugs. The aim of this is to stimulate the production and maturation of as many ova as possible from the ovaries. Follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone injections are typically given daily for at least twelve weeks prior to the desired time of conception. Drugs belonging to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, GnRH are administered simultaneously.
The changes taking place in the female genital tract are closely monitored so that the time of ovulation is known. The fertility specialist needs to use a number of radiological and clinical techniques are used to accurately predict the ovulation process. Once the ova have matured they are retrieved and mixed with sperms in a special dish. To optimize the conditions for fertilization, the mixture is placed in an incubator.
There are a number of complications that may result from IVF. One of the most significant is the fact that the risk of multiple and ectopic pregnancies is markedly increased. These types of pregnancies are potentially fatal to both the mother and the foetus. Anatomical defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate are commoner than in normal pregnancies.
A number of conditions that cause infertility have greatly benefited from this method. One of these conditions is what is known as endometriosis. This condition is characterized by existence of endometrial tissues in other places other than the uterus. This could be the abdominal cavity, the ovaries and the cervix among others. The tissue is subject to cyclical pain of menstruation and is a recognized cause of infertility in a number of women.
There are several other female-related problems that may benefit. A blocked fallopian tube is a frequent cause of infertility since the ovum cannot travel through it to meet the sperm. Blockage of this tube occurs after an infection in the female genital tract or surgery of the same area. When this occurs due to an infection, the condition is termed salpingitis. Problems of the uterus, whether anatomical or physiological, may also hinder fertilization.
Problems of sperms can also benefit from this treatment. These abnormalities are broadly classified into qualitative and quantitative types. The qualitative types include abnormal morphology and movement. The quantitative abnormalities are those that are characterized by low numbers. If the count is less than 2 million per milliliter, then the chances of fertilization are quite low. Another related problem is that of presence of antibodies to sperm in either the female or male genital tract.
In seeking the treatment for infertility, in vitro fertilization should not be the first option. The choice of which method to choose should be governed by the underlying problem. For example, if the problem is an anatomical defect of the uterus, then this can be surgically corrected and pregnancy attempted. If the problem has been identified to be due to low sperm count, then changes in frequency of intercourse may just provide a solution.
During the treatment, the woman is required to take fertility drugs. The aim of this is to stimulate the production and maturation of as many ova as possible from the ovaries. Follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone injections are typically given daily for at least twelve weeks prior to the desired time of conception. Drugs belonging to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, GnRH are administered simultaneously.
The changes taking place in the female genital tract are closely monitored so that the time of ovulation is known. The fertility specialist needs to use a number of radiological and clinical techniques are used to accurately predict the ovulation process. Once the ova have matured they are retrieved and mixed with sperms in a special dish. To optimize the conditions for fertilization, the mixture is placed in an incubator.
There are a number of complications that may result from IVF. One of the most significant is the fact that the risk of multiple and ectopic pregnancies is markedly increased. These types of pregnancies are potentially fatal to both the mother and the foetus. Anatomical defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate are commoner than in normal pregnancies.
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