In vitro fertilisation (IVF) - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure whereby an egg is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory dish. This fertilized egg, now an embryo, is then transferred to a woman’s uterus with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy. IVF is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby.

Key Takeaways

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, also known as an embryo, is then transferred into the woman’s uterus with the aim of establishing a successful pregnancy.
IVF is typically used as a treatment for infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. It can be an option for women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, men with decreased sperm count or quality, or couples with unexplained infertility.
While IVF increases chances for couples to conceive, it’s not guaranteed to result in pregnancy. It can also be physically demanding and emotionally draining, and multiple cycles may be necessary. Therefore, it requires careful consideration and understanding of the possible risks and success rates.

Importance

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a significant term in motherhood as it represents a medically assisted reproductive technology that has transformed the possibilities for parenthood, particularly for those who might not have been able to conceive naturally.

IVF involves the fertilisation of an egg by sperm outside of the body in a laboratory setting.

Once an embryo is formed, it’s implanted back into the uterus for further growth and development.

This process has offered hope and paths to motherhood for women with various infertility issues, single women, same-sex couples, and those who want to preserve their fertility for future use.

As such, IVF has profound implications for our understanding and conception of familial bonds, genetic lineage, and the very nature of motherhood itself.

Explanation

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a revolutionary technique predominantly used to overcome a range of fertility issues, allowing couples to conceive who might otherwise not be able to have children. Its primary purpose is to allow the fertilisation of an egg outside of the physical body, in a controlled laboratory environment.

This process is especially beneficial for those facing issues like blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, ovulation irregularities, or unexplained infertility. For such cases, where natural conception is challenging, IVF offers a viable alternative to achieve parenthood.

IVF is not only utilised for dealing with infertility; it also plays a significant role in preventing genetic disorders being passed onto the child. With techniques like Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), it is possible to screen embryos for genetic diseases or chromosomal aberrations before implanting them into the mother’s womb.

Moreover, IVF can also be used in conjunction with third party reproduction services like egg, sperm, or embryo donation, as well as surrogacy, thereby offering a wide array of options for individuals and couples wanting to have children. Through the appropriate use of these methods, IVF serves the greater purpose of assisting in the creation of healthy families, regardless of a person’s or couple’s fertility status.

Examples of In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Louise Joy Brown, born in 1978 in England, was the world’s first successful “test-tube” baby. Her mother had complications with natural conception and so, opted for In vitro fertilisation (IVF) to conceive her. The procedure was conducted by Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards, who later won a Nobel prize for this groundbreaking feat in reproductive technology.

A couple in the United States had struggled with unexplained infertility for years. After saving money and trying different treatments, they decided to do In vitro fertilisation (IVF). The procedure was successful, and they welcomed twin girls, conceived via IVF, into their family.

A woman in India was unable to conceive naturally due to blocked fallopian tubes. After undergoing treatment to unblock her tubes without success, she and her husband decided to try In vitro fertilification (IVF). They were able to successfully conceive and now have a healthy baby boy.

FAQs on In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology that involves extracting eggs from a woman’s uterus, fertilising them in a laboratory, and then transferring the fertilised egg (or eggs) back into the uterus. This process is used to help individuals or couples conceive when other methods have been unsuccessful.

What does the IVF process involve?

The IVF process involves five main steps: 1) monitoring and stimulating the development of healthy egg(s) in the ovaries, 2) collection of the egg(s), 3) securing the sperm, 4) combining the eggs and sperm together in a laboratory and providing the appropriate environment for fertilisation and early embryo growth, 5) transferring embryos into the uterus.

What is the success rate of IVF?

The success rate of IVF varies and is dependent on a number of factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the specifics of the procedure being performed. On average, the percentage of IVF cycles resulting in a live birth is about 40% for women age under 35 and about 15% for women over 40.

What are the risks associated with IVF?

Risks associated with IVF include multiple births, premature delivery, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, complications from egg-retrieval procedure, and stress. It’s essential that all these potential risks are discussed with a healthcare provider.

How much does IVF cost?

IVF can be expensive. The cost varies depending on where you live, whether or not insurance covers the procedure, and the amount and types of medication required. Generally, one cycle can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $17,000.

Can IVF be used for gender selection?

Yes, with IVF, couples can use preimplantation genetic testing to screen for the gender of the embryos. However, it is important to note that gender selection is a controversial issue, and laws and attitudes regarding its use vary by country.

Related Motherhood Terms

Embryo Transfer
Ovarian Stimulation
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Blastocyst Culture

Sources for More Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC is a U.S. federal agency with the goal of protecting public health. Its site has several pages dedicated to infertility and IVF.
World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organization provides a wealth of info about a variety of health topics, including fertility and IVF.
Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit American medical group that provides extensive information about a wide array of health topics, including IVF.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): ASRM is a professional organization dedicated to the study of reproductive medicine. They provide a wealth of information about IVF on their site.