Reasons As To Why IVF Is Important

By Trista Canterburry


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 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 quality and quantity is a frequent cause of infertility in males. Quality implies either the morphological appearance or the ability to move. Abnormal sperms do not have the capacity to cause fertilization even when they come into contact with the egg. In terms of quantity, a sperm count of less than 2 million per milliliter is considered inadequate. All these problems are potential beneficiaries of this treatment.

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.

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.

It is important to closely monitor changes taking place in the female genital tract to know when ovulation takes place. Fertility specialists have to employ the use of radiological imaging and clinical signs to know this time. When the eggs have been formed, they are retrieved and put into a mixing dish. Sperms from the male partner or donor are added into the same dish, washed and cultured in an incubator to provide optimal conditions for fertilization.

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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