4.5.3.5 the use of hormones to treat infertility (ht only) Flashcards
What is the job of FSH
This is released from the pituitary gland and is used to stimulate the eggs to mature in the ovaries— it also stimulates the production of oestrogen.
What is the role of LH?
This is required in order for ovulation to occur
How can fertility hormones be used to treat infertile women?
If the woman can’t get pregnant due to lack of FSH, artificial FSH can be used as a fertility drug. This means her eggs will mature, artificial LH can be given to stimulate an egg to be released from the ovary and she get naturally get pregnant.
When and why is invitro fertilisation used?
This is used if the women’s oviducts have been damaged or blocked by infection, if a donor egg has to be used or if there is no obvious cause of long term infertility.
State the 5 stages to invitro fertilisation
Fertility drugs used to mature large batches of egg ready for collecting.
Collection of eggs and placed into pétri dish containing special solution.
Sample of semen collected and mixed with eggs.
Eggs checked to see fertilisation and if early embryos are developing.
when fertilised eggs have formed tiny balls of cells, 1 or 2 are placed into mother’s uterus to develop into fetuses.
What are 6 factors that could cause infertility
Obesity
Eating disorders like anorexia
Lack of female hormones
Damages oviducts
Lack of sperm in semen
Age- late thirties and older more difficult due to menopause
State advantages to invitro fertilisation
Major breakthrough and is a huge relief to infertile people
Increased chance of multiple pregnancy
Mature eggs can be used at a later date
Same-sex relationships are able to have children
Health conditions aren’t passed on through generations.
State disadvantages to invitro fertilisation
Expensive
Costs society money (NHS / taxpayers)
Mother goes through lots of cycles of treatment
Not always successful- false hope and let down (waste of time and money)
Physically / mentally straining
Multiple babies can cause prematurity
