In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the uterus. This process enables individuals and couples facing infertility issues to achieve pregnancy when natural conception is not possible. IVF has evolved significantly since its inception, becoming one of the most common assisted reproductive technologies used today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully performed in 1978, resulting in the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first 'test-tube baby.'
2. The IVF process typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
3. Success rates for IVF can vary based on factors like age, fertility diagnosis, and health of the embryos.
4. Frozen embryos can be preserved for future use, allowing individuals or couples to attempt pregnancy at a later date.
5. IVF can also involve preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which helps identify genetic disorders before embryo transfer.

Review Questions

• What are the primary steps involved in the in vitro fertilization process, and how do they contribute to its overall success?
  • The primary steps in in vitro fertilization include ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization of the eggs with sperm, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Each step is crucial; ovarian stimulation encourages the production of multiple eggs for retrieval. After retrieval, eggs are fertilized and cultured into embryos. The quality and health of these embryos significantly affect the success of implantation during embryo transfer, which ultimately determines whether a pregnancy will occur.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding in vitro fertilization and how they impact its practice.
  • In vitro fertilization raises several ethical considerations, including concerns about embryo status and rights, selection of embryos based on genetic testing, and the fate of unused embryos. These issues prompt debates about when life begins and whether parents should have the right to select specific traits. Additionally, there are concerns regarding accessibility and equity in IVF services, as high costs may limit options for many individuals or couples seeking assistance with fertility.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of in vitro fertilization on family structures and societal norms regarding reproduction.
  • The long-term implications of in vitro fertilization are significant as it alters traditional notions of family structures and reproduction. As more individuals and couples turn to IVF due to infertility or personal choice, societal norms around parenthood expand to include single parents, same-sex couples, and older parents who may have previously been considered outside conventional family models. This shift encourages greater acceptance of diverse family forms while also raising questions about the future of reproductive technology, potential commodification of human life, and how society defines parental roles.

Related terms

Embryo Transfer: The stage in the IVF process where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus after fertilization.

Oocyte Retrieval: The procedure in which eggs are collected from the ovaries for use in IVF.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): An alternative assisted reproductive technology where both eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes, allowing for natural fertilization to occur.