IVF and reproductive hromones

Pituitary gland

The master gland that is responsible for releasing FSH and LH

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates the growth of a follicle and promotes the maturation of an egg in the ovary

FSH interaction with other hormones

Causes follicle growth which promotes the release of oestrogen from the ovaries

Oestrogen

Responsible for the growth, repair and maintenance of the lining of the uterus

Oestrogen interaction with other hormones

Promotes the release of LH from the pituitary gland and inhibits the release of additional FSH

Luteinising hormone (LH)

Responsible for ovulation by stimulating the release of the egg from a follicle in the ovary

LH interaction with other hormones

Causes the corpus luteum to form which promotes the release of progesterone from the ovaries

Progesterone

Maintains the lining of the uterus during the latter part of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy

Progesterone interaction with other hormones

Inhibits FSH and LH production as an example of negative feedback

If fertilisation does not occur

The corpus luteum dies and levels of progesterone decreases, resulting in menstruation and the start of a new cycle

Corpus luteum

A structure in the ovaries that forms from a follicle when an egg is released, releases progesterone

Ovary

An organ of the female reproductive system where egg development occurs and oestrogen and progesterone are released

Infertility

Where a couple are not able to conceive which could be due to age, cancer, faulty sperm production or other reproductive system complications

Fertility drug

FSH and LH can be supplemented as a treatment for infertility

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

A process where eggs are extracted from the ovary and are artificially fertilised outside of the body, before implanting back into the uterus

Early stages of IVF

FSH and LH are given to stimulate egg development, eggs are then collected from the mother's ovaries

Incubation stage of IVF

Eggs are kept in a laboratory and are fertilised with sperm from the father, eggs are left to develop into embryos

Later stages of IVF

When embryos are tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus where foetal development can occur

Surrogate mother

Someone who volunteers to carry a baby in their womb, usually when the biological mother is not able to do so

Complications of fertility treatments

Can be stressful, with low success rates and can also lead to multiple births which is a risk to the mother and babies