Summary
In vitro fertilisation combines egg and sperm outside the body and transfers the embryo to the uterus.
In depth
About 1 in 7 couples have difficulty conceiving. Causes: ovulation disorders, tubal damage, low sperm count and unexplained. IVF: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation in the lab (or ICSI), embryo transfer. Louise Brown was born in 1978; Edwards won the 2010 Nobel Prize.
Fertility treatment includes drugs, IUI and IVF. Genetic testing of embryos is possible. Success depends on age and cause.
Key idea: IVF fertilises eggs outside the body.
Infertility is the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse; it affects about 1 in 6 couples, with causes in men (low sperm count, poor motility, blockage), women (ovulation disorders, blocked tubes, endometriosis, age) or both, or unexplained.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF), first successful in 1978 with Louise Brown (Nobel Prize to Robert Edwards in 2010), involves ovarian stimulation with FSH, egg collection, fertilisation in the lab (or ICSI, injecting a single sperm), culture for 3 to 5 days, and transfer of one or two embryos to the uterus. Success depends greatly on age. Risks include multiple births and ovarian hyperstimulation.
Example: embryos can be frozen for later use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Infertility and IVF?
In vitro fertilisation combines egg and sperm outside the body and transfers the embryo to the uterus.
Which area of biology covers Infertility and IVF, and how advanced is it?
Infertility and IVF is one of the 54 topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Reproductive Ageing, Implantation, Fertilisation Process.
Why does Infertility and IVF matter?
Millions of babies have been born by IVF.
Can you give an example of Infertility and IVF?
Success rates decline with maternal age.
What should I learn before Infertility and IVF?
Work through the Beginner topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology first, such as Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, Sexual Reproduction, then return to Infertility and IVF. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Infertility and IVF?
The closest topics to Infertility and IVF are Reproductive Ageing, Implantation, Fertilisation Process, Ovulation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Infertility and IVF?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Infertility and IVF. To practise the whole of Reproduction & Endocrinology, use the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz.
How is Infertility and IVF different from Reproductive Ageing?
Infertility and IVF: In vitro fertilisation combines egg and sperm outside the body and transfers the embryo to the uterus. Reproductive Ageing: Declining egg quantity and quality leads to menopause and falling fertility. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Infertility and IVF step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Reproductive Ageing and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.