IVF

• What is the purpose of contraceptives?


  To reduce fertility and prevent pregnancy
• What is the issue faced by some women regarding fertility?

  Some women are naturally infertile but want to have a baby
• What hormones are used to increase fertility in women?

  FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone)
• What does FSH stand for?


  Follicle stimulating hormone
• What does FSH do in the menstrual cycle?


  It stimulates the ovaries to mature eggs
• What happens if a woman has low levels of FSH?


  Their eggs may not mature properly
• How can low FSH levels be treated?


  By administering FSH in the form of a pill
• What is the role of LH in fertility treatment?


  It stimulates ovulation, the release of the egg
• On which day of the menstrual cycle does ovulation typically occur?


  Day 14
• What is IVF?


  In vitro fertilization, a process to help infertile couples conceive
• What does "in vitro" mean?


  Outside the body, such as in a test tube
• What are the first steps in the IVF process?


  Administering FSH and LH to stimulate egg maturation
• What happens after the eggs are collected in IVF?


  They are fertilized by sperm in a laboratory
• What is ICSI?


  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, where sperm is injected into the egg
• What happens to fertilized eggs in IVF?


  They are placed in an incubator to grow into embryos
• What is the next step after embryos are formed in IVF?


  One or more embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus
• What is a major pro of IVF?


  It allows infertile couples to have children
• What is a significant con of IVF?


  It does not always work, with a success rate of one in four in the UK
• What are some emotional and physical downsides of IVF?


  It can be stressful, emotionally upsetting, and physically unpleasant
• What is a risk associated with multiple births from IVF?


  Higher risk of complications like miscarriage and stillbirth
• Why do some people oppose IVF?


  It can result in unused embryos that are destroyed
• What recent advances in technology have improved IVF?


  Microscope technologies have improved success rates and allowed genetic testing
• What is a concern regarding genetic testing of embryos?


  It might lead to designer babies where specific traits are selected
• Is selecting traits for embryos currently legal in the UK?


  No, it is illegal
• What are the stages of IVF?

  1. Administer FSH and LH to stimulate egg maturation
  2. Collect eggs from ovaries and fertilize with sperm
  3. Use ICSI if sperm count is low
  4. Incubate fertilized eggs to grow into embryos
  5. Insert embryos into the mother's uterus
• What are the pros and cons of IVF?


  Pros:

  • Allows infertile couples to have children

  
  

  Cons:

  • Success rate is low (1 in 4 in the UK)
  • Emotionally and physically stressful
  • Risk of multiple births and complications
  • Ethical concerns regarding unused embryos