The biology of controlling fertility Flashcards
Compare male and female fertility
males show continuous fertility, men continually produce sperm, females show cyclical fertility
How can the fertile period be identified
the number of days after menstruation
a slight rise in body temperature 0.5 degrees after ovulation
cervical mucus becomes thin and watery
How is ovulation stimulated
drugs that mimic the action of FSH and LH can be used
What is the problem with using drugs to stimulate ovulation
can cause super ovulation which can result in multiple births
how can the drugs that stimulate ovulation be of particular benefit
when it is necessary to collect ova for IVF programmes
What hormone inhibits the secretion of FSH only
oestrogen
what does in vitro meaning
within glass
What does in vivo mean
within the living
describe the main steps in IVF treatment
ova are zsurgically removed from ovaries after hormone stimulation
sperm sample is provided
ova are mixed with sperm in culture ish outside the female body to allow fertilisation
zygotes incubated until they have formed at least 8 cells
the cells are transferred to uterus for implantation
What is PGD used to check for
single gene disorders and chromosomal abnormalities
What is artificial insemination
the insertion of sperm into the womens reproductive tract using a method other than sexual intercourse
What does AI involve
collecting several samples of semen over a period of time
When is AI useful
when the male has a low sperm count
If sperm are absent what option is left for the couple
if a pertner is sterile donor sperm may be used
What does ICSI involve
the head of the sperm is injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilisation
