In vitro fertilization By Mahmoud Yousif

The history The first pregnancy achieved through in vitro human fertilization of a human oocyte was reported in The Lancet in it lasted only a few days and would today be called a biochemical pregnancy. Today most IVF of a human oocyte is because most couples find it difficult to have their own children at an older age.

The Method

Ovarian cycle and Egg removal Treatment cycles usually begin on the first day of menstruation. This is where about 10 to 30 eggs are removed while the patient is under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

Fertilization After the Egg is removed it is prepared for fertilization. While this is happening the sperm is also being prepared for treatment before frozen and quarantined. The egg and the sperm are usually frozen together at a ratio of approximately sperm:1 egg, where it is frozen for about 18 hours while fertilization takes place.

Selection In general the chosen embryo is selected by choosing which ones have reached the 6th – 8th stage cell stage. However, this is not the case for most cultures.

Embryo transfer The embryos are transferred by a thin, plastic catheter, this goes through the vagina and the cervix. The number of embryos transferred is based on the evenness of growth and degree of fermentation. This is also judged by the age of the patient and other health traits she may have. Again this varies for different cultures.

Ethical and religous Issues There is a lot of ethical controversy over IVF. One of the biggest controversial things is laboratory mix ups. This is when laboratories mix up sperm samples or transfer of the wrong embryo. There is even more religious controversy over the fact that discarded embryos often result in there death.

complications Multiple births can be the result of in vitro Fertilization. Birth defects can also be results of in vitro fertilization.

Coping with IVF Due to the emotional and financial aspects of infertility treatment, many feel isolated and sometimes become depressed

THE END