An in depth overview of how in vitro fertilization (IVF) has advanced since its beginning in the late 1970s. Many couples have difficulty conceiving and need the assistance of IVF. IVF mimics the natural process of fertilization within the human body. A brief review of the natural process provides a platform for a technical description of what happens in the lab. Scientists have reproduced the process of fertilization with a few changes. Hormones are injected rather than produced. Eggs are removed from the body and fertilized in the lab in a petri dish. Both donor eggs and sperm can be used in this process. The fertilized eggs can be stored or placed within a female uterus. To improve success rates multiple embryos can be transferred at once making twins and triplets common for IVF. To date IVF appears to be a safe option for women wishing to conceive.
Key Points of Video:
- 1The demand for IVF is growing.
- 2More the 5 million babies have been born using IVF.
- 3The risks of ovarian stimulation over a long period of time are unknown but so far it seems safe.
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