Hormones to Treat Infertility

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video on hormones and infertility?


  How hormones are used to treat infertility and the problems around IVF
• What hormones are primarily involved in controlling the release of an egg?

  FSH and LH
• What does FSH trigger in the ovaries?


  It triggers an egg to mature
• What is the role of LH in the menstrual cycle?


  It triggers the mature egg to be released
• What is a common issue that some men face regarding infertility?

  Reduced sperm count
• What is the purpose of fertility drugs that contain FSH and LH?


  To cause the woman to ovulate more than usual
• What is the process called where fertilization takes place outside the body?

  In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• What happens to the eggs during the IVF process?


  They are collected from the mother after being treated with FSH and LH
• What is done with the sperm during the IVF process?


  It is collected and used to fertilize the eggs in the laboratory
• What happens to the fertilized eggs after they develop into embryos?


  They are inserted into the mother's uterus
• What is one benefit of IVF?


  It gives a woman the chance to have a baby of her own
• What are three possible problems associated with IVF?


  Low success rates, emotional stress, and physical demands on the mother
• Why can IVF lead to multiple births?


  Because several embryos may be implanted in the mother
• What ethical concern is associated with the embryos created during IVF?


  Many embryos are destroyed and some find that unethical
• What is a financial concern related to IVF?


  IVF is expensive
• What do some people believe the money spent on IVF could be better used for?


  Treatments for other medical issues, such as cancer
• What are the steps involved in the IVF process?


  1. Mother treated with FSH and LH to mature several eggs
  2. Eggs collected from the mother
  3. Sperm collected from the father
  4. Eggs fertilized in the laboratory
  5. Fertilized eggs develop into embryos
  6. Embryos inserted into the mother's uterus
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using hormones to treat infertility?


  Strengths:

  • Helps in egg maturation and ovulation
  • Increases chances of conception

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Emotional and physical stress
  • Ethical concerns regarding embryo destruction
  • High costs associated with treatment