The use of hormones to treat infertility

• how do fertility drugs increase the chance of pregnancy?

  • many contain FSH which stimulates O production and the maturation of eggs in the ovary
  • also contain LH which triggers ovulation
• What is IVF?

  • mother is given FSH and LH - stimulates maturation of eggs and ovulation
  • eggs are fertilised using sperm in lab - develop into embryos
  • 1 or 2 are inserted into the mother’s womb
• Advantages of fertility treatment

  • allows infertile couples to have children
  • can store a woman’s eggs for later
• Disadvantages of fertility treatment

  • can be very expensive
  • low success rate
  • increases chance of multiple pregnancies
  • side effects - mental & physical