Invitro Fertilization

• In-vitro means literally ‘in a glass’. In other words, the fertilization of the sperm and the ovum is allowed to occur in the laboratory glassware externally rather than in the living body (in vivo).
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly known as test tube baby, is a technique of fertilization of the ovum by the sperm outside the woman’s body in the laboratory conditions. After the fertilization, the 16 celled embryo is implanted into the woman’s uterus to produce a baby.

Stages in IVF

• Stage 1- Super ovulation: A drug is taken to stimulate production of multiple ova
• Stage 2- Oocyte retrieval: A needle is inserted into the ovary to collect the follicle containing oocytes. Ultrasound is used to locate the follicles.
• Stage 3- Sperm collection: Sperm is collected from the male
• Stage 4- Artificial insemination: Sperm is added to oocytes and incubated overnight
• Stage 5- Fertilization: Oocytes are examined to see if they have been fertilized and allowed for development
• Stage 6- Progesterone treatment: Injected progesterone hormone to the mother to prepare the uterus for implantation.
• Stage 7- Embryo transfer: Embryos are transferred into the uterus using a small tube

Surrogate mother

• In IVF technology, a developing embryo available in the laboratory is taken and inserted into the uterus of another woman.
• A woman who substitutes or takes the place of the real mother to nurse the embryo is called surrogate mother. However, it does not contribute genetically.
• The surrogate mother never becomes a genetic mother. It is also called substitute mother or second mother.

Drawbacks of IVF

• The production of unwanted embryos
• Psychological and financial repercussions for the parents
• High risk of multiple births