IVF

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that involves the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

History[edit | edit source]

The first successful birth of a "test tube baby", Louise Brown, occurred in 1978. Robert G. Edwards, the physiologist who developed the treatment, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure of IVF involves several steps:

Ovulation Induction: Fertility drugs are prescribed to stimulate egg production.
Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity.
Insemination and Fertilization: The male's sperm is placed with the best quality eggs. The mixing of the sperm and egg is called insemination.
Embryo Culture: The fertilized egg divides and becomes an embryo.
Embryo Transfer: The embryos are then placed in the woman's uterus three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization.

Risks[edit | edit source]

IVF has several risks including multiple births, premature delivery, and low birth weight, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, ovarian cancer, and stress.

Success Rates[edit | edit source]

The success rate of IVF depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.

References[edit | edit source]

IVF Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.