In vitro fertilization

Definition

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive technology that involves the process of fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting. This method allows for the creation of embryos, which can then be implanted into a woman's uterus. IVF is often used to help individuals or couples struggling with infertility due to various factors such as age, medical conditions, or unexplained infertility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IVF was first successfully performed in 1978, leading to the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first 'test-tube baby.'
2. The IVF process typically involves hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries, egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab, and embryo culture before transfer.
3. Success rates for IVF can vary based on factors like age, reproductive history, and the cause of infertility, but many clinics report around a 40% success rate for women under 35.
4. Multiple embryos are often created during IVF, which raises ethical considerations about embryo selection and disposal.
5. IVF can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance, leading to discussions about accessibility and equity in reproductive healthcare.

Review Questions

• How does in vitro fertilization differ from traditional conception methods?
  • In vitro fertilization differs from traditional conception methods in that it occurs outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. Unlike natural conception, where sperm and egg meet within the female reproductive system, IVF allows for direct intervention in the fertilization process. This method is particularly beneficial for individuals or couples facing infertility issues, as it provides a way to bypass certain barriers that may prevent natural conception.
• Discuss the ethical implications associated with the use of in vitro fertilization and embryo selection.
  • The use of in vitro fertilization raises several ethical implications, particularly concerning embryo selection and the potential for 'designer babies.' Decisions about which embryos to implant can lead to moral dilemmas regarding the status of unused embryos, especially if they are frozen or discarded. Additionally, as technology advances, concerns arise about selecting embryos based on specific traits or genetic modifications, leading to debates about equity and the nature of parenthood.
• Evaluate how advancements in in vitro fertilization technology have influenced reproductive choices and access to family planning.
  • Advancements in in vitro fertilization technology have significantly transformed reproductive choices and family planning. The ability to freeze embryos and eggs has allowed individuals to delay childbearing until they are ready or able to conceive. This shift has empowered many women to pursue careers and education before starting families. However, disparities in access to IVF due to high costs and varying insurance coverage continue to impact who can benefit from these advancements, raising important questions about reproductive justice and healthcare equity.

Related terms

Embryo Transfer: The procedure in which one or more embryos are placed into the uterus after fertilization and culture.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): A technique that involves placing both eggs and sperm directly into a woman's fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur naturally within the body.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization, often used in cases of male infertility.