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.
Several pathological conditions causing infertility in couples have benefited from the use of this technique. A condition called endometriosis is one of them. In endometriosis, there are a number of sites in the body that have deposits of endometrial tissue. Every month, as menstrual pain is experienced, the sites with the ectopic tissue also experience pain. Not only is this condition a cause of great discomfort, but it also precipitates infertility.
There are a number of other problems in the female that may be solved through in vitro fertilization. Fallopian tube blockage due to an infective process or following surgery is one of them. Whenever this happens, the sperm and the ovum cannot meet and this makes fertilization impossible. Problems may also arise when there are abnormalities in the uterus. Both anatomical defects and physiological abnormalities may hinder the process of 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 possible risks and complications of IVF that you need to be aware of even as you explore this option. One of them is that the chances of having multiple and ectopic pregnancies are much higher than is the case with normally-conceived pregnancies. The other significant one is that the frequency of ending up with birth defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate and spina bifida is also high.
Several pathological conditions causing infertility in couples have benefited from the use of this technique. A condition called endometriosis is one of them. In endometriosis, there are a number of sites in the body that have deposits of endometrial tissue. Every month, as menstrual pain is experienced, the sites with the ectopic tissue also experience pain. Not only is this condition a cause of great discomfort, but it also precipitates infertility.
There are a number of other problems in the female that may be solved through in vitro fertilization. Fallopian tube blockage due to an infective process or following surgery is one of them. Whenever this happens, the sperm and the ovum cannot meet and this makes fertilization impossible. Problems may also arise when there are abnormalities in the uterus. Both anatomical defects and physiological abnormalities may hinder the process of 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 possible risks and complications of IVF that you need to be aware of even as you explore this option. One of them is that the chances of having multiple and ectopic pregnancies are much higher than is the case with normally-conceived pregnancies. The other significant one is that the frequency of ending up with birth defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate and spina bifida is also high.
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