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In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF )
The term in vitro fertilization (IVF) literally means
"fertilization outside of the body". IVF is now routinely used to
treat infertility caused by moderate to severe low sperm count,
tubal disease and unexplained infertility.
In the IVF process, the female receives the follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) (see fertility
medications) by injection. FSH stimulates the recruitment and
development of multiple eggs within the ovary. Egg maturity is monitored by the rise in serum estrogen levels, and
by measuring follicular growth. FSH is administered
until the eggs are mature, and then human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG) is administered 36 hours prior to egg retrieval.
The eggs are retrieved transvaginally (through the vagina) using
a needle guided by ultrasound. The male provides a semen sample.
This specimen is specially washed and prepared to inseminate the
egg. The sperm is then layered on the eggs, and one sperm attaches
to and penetrate the egg's membrane (zona pellucida) resulting
in fertilization. The fertilized eggs develop into embryos.
The embryos are placed in an incubator and allowed to divide from
3 to 5 days. Where possible, 5 day old embryos (blastocysts) are
transferred to the mothers uterus. Attachment to the uterus
results in a developing pregnancy.
(Continued, next column)
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The Ericsson Method
Intrauterine
Insemination
Fertility
Medications
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(IVF, continued)
When performing IVF for
gender selection, the embryos are sexed using preimplantation
genetic diagnosis (PGD). Only embryos of the desired sex
will be transferred to the mother's uterus.
Sperm Cells
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