Assisted Reproductive Treatments: In-vitro fertilization
By: Avantika Samanta
Human bodies are different from person to person. The purpose of the reproductive system is to produce offspring but there are a number of reasons why somebody’s reproductive system may not be working well enough. There are certain solutions for families who wish to have children but are unable to, and those are Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART) procedures. In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the most well known procedure and is used in many cases. It’s a complex procedure that is able to give many people the chance to have children so it is beneficial to understand these procedures.
IVF is the most successful and effective method of assisted reproductive treatment and takes around three weeks, longer if the process is split up into multiple parts. IVF is done for many reasons which include: damage or blockage of the fallopian tube, ovulation disorders, previous sterilizations or removal, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, a genetic disorder, or other health conditions such as cancer. There are several steps to IVF, and it starts with ovulation induction. Ovulation induction is where the patient is treated with hormones to produce multiple eggs rather than the single egg that is normally produced. Next is egg retrieval which is when the eggs are removed and placed in a culture medium in order to incubate and the healthy eggs will be used later on. Sperm retrieval comes next, either the partner’s sperm is used or a donor sperm is used. Sperm can be retrieved through prior masturbation of the patient or testicular aspiration which is when a needle is used to directly extract sperm. Next is fertilization. There are two possible ways for fertilization, conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Conventional insemination is when mature eggs and healthy sperm cells are mixed and incubated overnight in order for the sperm to enter the cytoplasm of the egg to induce fertilization. ICSI is used to overcome male fertility problems where the male may not produce the sperm, the sperm may have trouble attaching to the egg, the sperm doesn’t move in the correct way, and more. The ICSI process is a tiny needle called a micropipette that is used to inject a single sperm into the center of the egg retrieved previously. Finally comes embryo transfer where a doctor uses a syringe to place an embryo, or multiple embryos, into the uterus of the patient and if it works the embryo will implant into the lining of the uterus.
As a result, after 12-14 days eggs retrieval pregnancy will be detectable, but it is not guaranteed. There are countless factors that determine the success of IVF. Maternal age is another one, women ages 41 and older are less likely to get pregnant than younger women, and it is often recommended for them to use donor eggs. The reason for infertility is another, someone with severe endometriosis has a lower chance of getting pregnant through IVF than those with unexplained infertility. The status of the embryo is an additional factor for IVF not working. Embryos that are more developed have higher chances of pregnancy compared to less-developed embryos but all embryos don’t survive the development process.
Lastly, there are many factors and risks that should be considered before pursuing IVF. Stress is common, emotional, financial, and physical stress are all expected considering how draining the treatment can be, but a strong support system can make a difference. An ectopic pregnancy is also possible, the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, and is unable to develop and the pregnancy can’t continue. It also increases the chance for multiple births which can cause low birth weight and early delivery. But with all things considered, IVF is giving so many people a chance to start a family themselves, something that may have been unimaginable for them before, but now they have a chance.
The Effects of Birth Control on the Reproductive System
By: MariaJose Flores
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from “ 2015 – 2017, 78% of females ages 15-24 used a contraceptive method at first sexual intercourse”. Although contraceptives vary, the most commonly known is birth control. Birth control pills have synthetic forms of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These pills prevent ovulation as hormone levels remain stable. In doing so, it eliminates any possibility of fertilization and pregnancy.
Different types of ‘the pill’ can cause different effects on the female reproductive system. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. These pills help regulate menstrual cycles, decrease menstrual blood, allow for quick returns to fertility, and treat the physical and emotional symptoms of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Another type of pill contains pro estrogen only. It’s said to be suitable for breastfeeding women, as it reduces milk production, women over 35 who can’t take estrogen and are easily reversible.
Birth control also has its disadvantages. These pills are associated with heart attacks and strokes, migraines, venous thromboembolism, severe diabetes, acceleration of gallbladder disease, and no decrease in sexually transmitted diseases. Venous thromboembolism or VTE is a rare condition in which clots begin to form in the blood vessels; caused by the progestin used in the pill. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and varicose veins.
Birth control is extremely helpful in a variety of ways. If used correctly, it may benefit the individual’s health. As time goes on, the pill can be modified to include fewer hormones and thus help lower the side effects. Birth control is only sold under a professional’s prescription, unlike a plan B.
Work Cited:
Assisted Reproductive Treatments: In-vitro fertilization
“Assisted Reproductive Technology – Ivf and Icsi.” Assisted Reproductive Technology – IVF and ICSI – Better Health Channel, 2021, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Assisted-reproductive-technology-IVF-and-ICSI#ivf-and-icsi.
“In Vitro Fertilization (Ivf).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 June 2019, http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716.
Jacobsen, John D. “In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007279.htm.
“What Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (Icsi)?” Reproductive Facts, 2014, http://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/what-is-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/.
The Effects of Birth Control on the Reproductive System
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“Birth Control Pill (for Teens) – Nemours Kidshealth.” N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2021.
Dominguez, Linda. “Birth Control Pills.” HealthyWomen 16 Sept. 2009. Web. 26 July 2021.
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