Fertility

Primary hormones contained in fertility drugs given to women to stimulate egg release

$\text{FSH}$ (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and $\text{LH}$ (Luteinising Hormone)

Main outcome of administering $\text{FSH}$ and $\text{LH}$ as a fertility treatment

It stimulates egg maturation and triggers ovulation in women who naturally produce insufficient levels of $\text{FSH}$.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A medical procedure where eggs are collected from a female, fertilised by sperm in a laboratory, and then developed into embryos before transfer to the womb.

First stage of the IVF process involving hormone therapy

Giving the woman high doses of $\text{FSH}$ and $\text{LH}$ to cause several eggs to mature simultaneously.

Developmental stage at which embryos are placed into the mother's uterus during IVF

When the fertilised eggs have grown into tiny balls of cells.

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

An IVF technique where a single sperm cell is injected directly into an egg cell, commonly used when sperm count or motility is very low.

Three major disadvantages or risks of IVF treatment

1. It is emotionally and physically stressful.

2. Success rates are relatively low.

3. It can lead to multiple births, which carry higher risk to both mother and babies.