In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

 

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples overcome infertility. The term in vitro means “in glass,” since fertilization takes place in a laboratory dish, not inside the human body. IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus to establish pregnancy.

IVF Process Step by Step

1. Ovarian Stimulation – Fertility medications (like FSH injections) stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

2. Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Pick-Up) – Eggs are collected through a minor surgical procedure.

3. Sperm Collection and Preparation – A semen sample is processed to select healthy sperm.

4. Fertilization in Lab – Eggs and sperm are combined in a culture dish. In some cases, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed.

5. Embryo Culture – Fertilized eggs develop into embryos under controlled lab conditions.

6. Embryo Transfer – One or more embryos are carefully placed inside the uterus.

7. Pregnancy Test – After 12–14 days, a blood test confirms pregnancy.

Benefits of IVF

a. Helps couples with infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility.

b. Allows genetic testing before implantation to prevent inherited disorders.

c. Enables same-sex couples and single parents to have children.

d. Offers hope to women with age-related infertility.

Risks and Challenges of IVF

1. Financially costly; multiple cycles may be required.

2. Emotional stress due to uncertainty of success.

3. Risk of multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets).

4. Rare risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

IVF Success Rate

The IVF success rate depends on the woman’s age, health condition, and clinic expertise:
Women under 35: 40–50% success rate per cycle.
Women 35–40: 25–35% success rate.
Women above 40: Less than 10–15% success rate.

References

1) Zegers-Hochschild, F., Adamson, G. D., Dyer, S., Racowsky, C., de Mouzon, J., Sokol, R., & Rienzi, L. (2017). The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care. Fertility and Sterility, 108(3), 393–406.

2) Niederberger, C., Pellicer, A., Cohen, J., Gardner, D. K., Palermo, G. D., O’Neill, C. L., ... & Rebar, R. W. (2018). Forty years of IVF. Fertility and Sterility, 110(2), 185–324.

3) Mayo Clinic. (2023). In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org

IVF FAQs

Q: What is IVF success rate by age?

A: Women under 35 have higher success rates (40–50%) compared to women over 40 (<15%).

Q: Is IVF painful?

A: Most patients experience mild discomfort during injections and egg retrieval, but anesthesia reduces pain.

Q: Can IVF cause twins or triplets?

A: Yes, especially if multiple embryos are transferred. Clinics now prefer single embryo transfer to reduce risks.

Q: How much does IVF cost?

A: IVF costs vary between countries and clinics, ranging from $5,000–$15,000 per cycle on average.

Q: Are IVF babies healthy?

A: Yes. Studies confirm that IVF children grow and develop normally, like naturally conceived children.

IVF Worksheet

Part A: Short Answer Questions

1. Define IVF in your own words.

2. List three main advantages of IVF.

3. What is ICSI, and why is it important?

Part B: Matching Exercise

Egg Retrieval → Collect eggs from ovaries

Embryo Transfer → Place embryo in uterus

Fertilization → Union of sperm and egg in lab

Part C: Diagram Activity

Label a diagram of the female reproductive system: ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes. Mark egg retrieval and embryo transfer locations.