Fertility Information
The diagnosis and treatment of infertility is a complex and emotional process. Factors such as medical history and behavioral and environmental health risks play a role in the reproductive health of men and women. It is important for people having trouble getting pregnant to seek treatment from a doctor with the appropriate training and expertise whose communication style is comfortable.
In Vitro Fertilization
In Vitro fertilization is a procedure in which the sperm and embryo are united in the lab. It was developed as a way of bypassing the fallopian tubes in order for a fertilized oocyte (egg) to gain access to the uterus. The first in vitro fertilization or ‘test tube” baby was born in 1978 and in 1981 the delivery of the first IVF pregnancy in the United States was announced by Howard and Georgianna Seegar.
Over the last two decades IVF success rates have dramatically risen. With lab improvement and culture media changes, the rates have increased to over 50% in women under 37.
The possibility of continuing pregnancy cannot be predicted for any one patient as it depends on many variables-age, reproductive health of both parents, etc. However, the possibility of continuing pregnancy being achieved by IVF has improved from practically zero to one in 4 to 6 at IVF centers worldwide.
In Vitro provides many people with the opportunity to attempt pregnancy in the face of one or more factors that may otherwise decrease their chances.
It is important to understand the different roles of an OB/GYN and a reproductive endocrinologist. OB/GYNs are trained to diagnose and treat general disorders of the female reproductive system and to care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Reproductive Endocrinologists are devoted to specifically treating infertility and can treat both women and men.
Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination, once called artificial insemination, is a process by which sperm is deposited in a woman’s uterus by artificial means. This, for many couples, is a less invasive and more affordable choice than In Vitro Fertilization. IUI is not, however, the only artificial insemination procedure performed. Individual with fertility problems may also choose to try intravaginal insemination (IVF), intracervical insemination (ICI), or intratubal insemination (ITI).
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Copyright © 2002-2007 - The Center for Fertility and Gynecology
Los Angeles, California. All rights reserved.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in The Center for Fertility and Gynecology web site should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.
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