Fertility and Pregnancy - Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Question 2

What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?

Answer 2

IVF involves the stimulation of ovaries, egg retrieval, fertilisation of eggs with sperm outside the body, and the transfer of fertilised embryos into the uterus.

Question 3

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

Answer 3

ICSI is a procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg in vitro, often used when fertility issues are due to sperm abnormalities.

Question 4

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

Answer 4

IUI is a procedure where sperm is placed directly inside the uterus around ovulation to facilitate fertilisation.

Question 5

What is sperm, oocyte, or embryo cryopreservation?

Answer 5

Cryopreservation is the process of freezing sperm, oocytes (eggs), or embryos for future use.

Question 6

What are the risks associated with IVF?

Answer 6

Risks of IVF include multiple births, premature delivery, low birth weight, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, complications from the egg retrieval procedure, ectopic pregnancy, and potential links to cancer due to egg growth stimulation drugs.

Question 7

What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

Answer 7

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful due to the fertility drugs used in IVF, such as hCG.

Question 8

What complications can occur during the egg retrieval procedure in IVF?

Answer 8

The egg retrieval procedure can lead to bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels, and there are also risks associated with anaesthesia.

Question 9

What is the risk of ectopic pregnancy in IVF?

Answer 9

The risk of ectopic pregnancy for women who undergo IVF is 2–5%.

Question 10

How are egg growth stimulation drugs linked to cancer?

Answer 10

Egg growth stimulation drugs used in IVF may be linked to the development of a specific type of ovarian tumour.