assisted reproductive tech Flashcards
What are assisted reproductive technologies?
Assisted reproductive technologies refer to techniques and procedures performed to achieve pregnancy.
What procedures are included under assisted reproductive technologies?
Procedures include intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, donor insemination, egg donation, pre-gestational testing, and surrogacy.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI) and when is it used?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is the process of introducing sperm directly into the uterus. It is used in cases of cervical scarring, poor sperm count or mobility, difficulty with penetrative intercourse, or where unprotected intercourse is not recommended.
How is sperm prepared for intrauterine insemination?
Sperm is collected following masturbation, ‘washed’ and filtered to form a concentrated specimen, which is then introduced at ovulation into the uterus. Donor sperm can be used if required.
Is intrauterine insemination recommended for patients with unexplained infertility?
No, intrauterine insemination is not recommended for patients with unexplained infertility.
What is in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves stimulating egg production, collecting eggs, fertilising them with sperm in vitro, and reintroducing the fertilised embryo into the uterus.
What is intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and when is it used?
Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the process of inserting sperm directly into the egg cytoplasm using a micropipette, used when sperm mobility is severely compromised or the egg zona pellucida is difficult to penetrate.
What happens to the fertilised embryo in IVF?
The fertilised embryo is reintroduced into the uterus of the child-carrying party.
Who is typically offered IVF?
IVF is typically offered to women under 43 years who have not achieved pregnancy after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse.
How does age affect the success rates of IVF?
The success rates of IVF decrease markedly with age, with success rates around 2% in women over 44 years.
What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in the context of IVF?
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) involves screening embryos for specific genetic disorders before implantation during IVF.
What are some conditions that can be tested for using PGD?
Conditions tested for using PGD include alpha thalassaemia, certain types of early-onset dementia, certain types of motor neurone disease with an identified genetic cause, and Huntington’s disease.
What are the risks associated with PGD?
PGD carries the risk of damage to the embryos tested and the possibility that all embryos may carry the genetic disorder.
What is surrogacy and when might it be considered?
Surrogacy is the process of a third party carrying a foetus for another couple, considered for couples without a uterus, with uterine abnormalities, or with multiple miscarriages/failed IVF implantations.
What is the distinction between ‘full’ and ‘partial’ surrogacy?
In ‘full’ surrogacy, the carrying party is not genetically related to the foetus. In ‘partial’ surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilised via IVF and re-implanted.
