reproductive system

• Sexual reproduction involves male and female gametes (eggs and sperm) fusing in the process of fertilisation.

  The offspring inherit characteristics from both parents. This leads to greater variation.
• The female reproductive system had two functions;

  •To produce egg cells – this occurs during the menstrual cycle

  •To protect and nourish the foetus until birth. This is carried out by the uterus and the placenta.
• •As the embryo develops, part of the embryo grows into the wall of the uterus. This is the placenta and has a rich blood supply that is in very close contact with the mothers blood supply

  .•This allows for exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), supply of nutrients (glucose and amino acids etc) and removal of waste products via the mother

  •The fetus is also contained within protective membranes in the fluid filled amniotic sac that provides additional protection
• male function

  It has one function – to produce and deposit sperm.
• •NICE recommendations for women aged 40 to 42 for IVF

  •NICE guidelines say that 1 cycle of IVF should be offered if the following criteria are met

  •They’ve been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years. Or they have unsuccessful after 12 cycles of artificial insemination including 6 cycles of

  •They’ve never had IVF treatment before

  •They show no evidence of low ovarian reserve

  •They’ve been informed of the additional implications of IVF and pregnancy at this age
• NHS trust for IVF

  •Integrated care boards (ICB’s) may have additional criteria you need to meet before you can IVF on the NHS such as

  •Not having any children already, from both your current and any previous relationships

  •Being a healthy weight

  •Not smoking

  •Falling into a certain age range (some trusts only fund treatment for women under 35)
• •First couples normally see their GP if they are having trouble getting pregnant. They will take a medical history and a physical examination

  •They may recommend lifestyles change

  •Investigations will not be started until the couple have been trying for a year.

  •The couple will then be referred to a fertility specialist

  •Women will have tests to determine hormones levels and an ultrasound scan to check for any blockages or structural problems

  •Men will be asked to provide a semen sample to test sperm quality.
• women stage 1 IVF 


  The women will be given drugs to suppress the menstrual cycle. this the medicine used in the next stage more effective
• women stage 2 IVF

  helping the ovaries produce more eggs. the women is given a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). this increases the number of eggs the ovaries produce, meaning the clinic has a greater choice of embryos to use in the treatment
• women stage 3 IVF

  checking progress. the women will have vaginal ultrasound scans to monitor the ovaries and blood tests to check hormone levels.
• women stage 4 IVF

  collecting the eggs. the women will be sedated and the eggs collected using a needle that passed through the vagina and into each ovary under ultrasound guidance. it takes 15-20 min
• women stage 5 IVF

  the eggs are collected and mixed with sperm to fertilise them. the fertilised eggs (embryos) grow in the lad for 6 days before being transferred to the womb. the best 1 or 2 embryo will be transferred . after the egg collection the women will be given hormones medicine to prepare the lining of the womb to receive the embryo.
• women stage 6 IVF

  embryo transfer. this is done via a catheter through the vagina. in women aged under 37 1 embryo is transferred. in women aged 37 to 39 1 embryo is transferred but double embryo transfer is done if there are no top quality embryos. women ages 40 to 42 a double embryo transfer. no more than 2 embryos will be transferred.
• men IVF

  •The male will be asked to produce a fresh sperm sample

  •The sperm are washed and spun at high speed so the healthiest and most active sperm can be collected

  . If donated sperm is being used, it will be thawed before being prepared in the same way
• risks of IVF

  • medicine side effect hot flush, feeling down, headache, restlessness.
  • multiple births- if more than one embryo is replaced in the womb as part of IVF, there is an increased chance of producing twins or triplets increasing the chance of miscarriage, high blood pressure ect
  • •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare complication of IVF. Too many eggs may develop in the ovaries, which become very large and painful.
  • •Ectopic pregnancy
  • •Risks for older women- higher risk of miscarriage and birth defects.