In vitro fertilization, IVF, has emerged as one of the most preferred ways of treating infertility. It is a form of artificial insemination in which the sperm and the egg unite outside the body to produce what is referred to as the zygote. The zygote develops into an embryo that is transplanted into the uterus and allowed to proceed as an ordinary pregnancy. Currently it is said to benefit about 5% of infertile couples.
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 vitro fertilization is typically considered when the other methods fail to work. The clinician should strive at establishing the primary problem and treat it. This is the only way to provide a permanent solution. Problems in the fallopian tubes and uterus can be corrected surgically while those affecting sperm can benefit from the modification of sexual behavior.
In the treatment, a number of fertility drugs have to be taken. These drugs help increase the chances of ovulation and to produce as many eggs as possible. The women have to receive injections of both the follicle stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone. The injections are given daily for about three weeks before the desired time of conception. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues or GnRH are administered at the same time.
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.
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 vitro fertilization is typically considered when the other methods fail to work. The clinician should strive at establishing the primary problem and treat it. This is the only way to provide a permanent solution. Problems in the fallopian tubes and uterus can be corrected surgically while those affecting sperm can benefit from the modification of sexual behavior.
In the treatment, a number of fertility drugs have to be taken. These drugs help increase the chances of ovulation and to produce as many eggs as possible. The women have to receive injections of both the follicle stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone. The injections are given daily for about three weeks before the desired time of conception. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues or GnRH are administered at the same time.
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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