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 medical conditions that cause infertility in men and women have benefited from the technique. One of these conditions is what is known as endometriosis. This is a condition that affects a number of women and is characterized with deposition of endometrial tissue in ectopic sites such as the abdominal cavity, the cervix and the ovaries. Since this tissue is functional, the affected persons experience cyclical pain as a result of menses. Infertility is also common.
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.
Sperm problems are perhaps the biggest cause of infertility in males. These can be either problem of numbers of appearance of sperm. Low sperm numbers mean that the probability of getting a pregnancy is reduced and this probability is particularly low when the count is less than 2 million in every milliliter. Problems of appearance or morphology mean that the sperm is unable to fertilize even if it meets with the egg. Presence of sperm antibodies in the genital tract is another cause of infertility.
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.
Women that are undergoing this treatment have to receive a dosage of fertility drugs. The aim of doing this is to increase the chances of having an ovulation and consequently ending up with a conception. Luteinizing hormone and the follicle stimulating hormone are given daily as injections for at least 3 months prior to the desired period of conception. GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues have to be given 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.
Persons that consider undergoing IVF should know that there are possible risks associated with it. For example, women that get this treatment are at a higher risk of having ectopic as well as multiple pregnancies compared to other women. These types of pregnancies are potentially fatal to both the mother and the foetus. The risk of ending up with anatomical abnormalities in the babies born in this manner is also significantly high.
Several medical conditions that cause infertility in men and women have benefited from the technique. One of these conditions is what is known as endometriosis. This is a condition that affects a number of women and is characterized with deposition of endometrial tissue in ectopic sites such as the abdominal cavity, the cervix and the ovaries. Since this tissue is functional, the affected persons experience cyclical pain as a result of menses. Infertility is also common.
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.
Sperm problems are perhaps the biggest cause of infertility in males. These can be either problem of numbers of appearance of sperm. Low sperm numbers mean that the probability of getting a pregnancy is reduced and this probability is particularly low when the count is less than 2 million in every milliliter. Problems of appearance or morphology mean that the sperm is unable to fertilize even if it meets with the egg. Presence of sperm antibodies in the genital tract is another cause of infertility.
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.
Women that are undergoing this treatment have to receive a dosage of fertility drugs. The aim of doing this is to increase the chances of having an ovulation and consequently ending up with a conception. Luteinizing hormone and the follicle stimulating hormone are given daily as injections for at least 3 months prior to the desired period of conception. GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues have to be given 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.
Persons that consider undergoing IVF should know that there are possible risks associated with it. For example, women that get this treatment are at a higher risk of having ectopic as well as multiple pregnancies compared to other women. These types of pregnancies are potentially fatal to both the mother and the foetus. The risk of ending up with anatomical abnormalities in the babies born in this manner is also significantly high.
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