Reproductive Technologies

These flashcards cover key concepts related to reproductive technologies, focusing on techniques like IVF and ICSI, their processes, success rates, and ethical concerns.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a technique where egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside of the woman, in a laboratory.

What is the purpose of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a major treatment for infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed.

How does IVF work?

Eggs and sperm are collected and mixed in a Petri dish under conditions replicating the female reproductive tract.

What are the success rates of IVF based on age?

Success rates decrease with age: Up to 35 (40%), Up to 39 (30%), Up to 43 (20%).

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

ICSI is a specialized procedure where a single sperm is injected into an egg cell in the laboratory.

When is ICSI typically used?

ICSI is used in extreme infertility situations where basic IVF has been unsuccessful or when a male has very low sperm production.

What is the success rate of ICSI procedures?

About 25% of all ICSI procedures result in birth.

What is the function of the placenta during pregnancy?

The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the mother and the developing baby.

What are the differences between identical and fraternal twins?

Identical twins come from one zygote and share the same genetic makeup; fraternal twins come from two separate zygotes and are genetically different.

What is the significance of cryopreservation in IVF?

Cryopreservation allows for the freezing of extra embryos for transfer in a later cycle.

What is the definition of infertility?

Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse.

What interventions can be used to prevent or address infertility?

Diet changes, hormone injections, and freezing sperm or eggs prior to medical treatments.

Define artificial insemination.

Artificial insemination is the process of injecting sperm directly into the uterus of a female.

What is gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)?

It is a procedure where sperm and eggs are mixed and placed directly into the fallopian tubes of a female.

What are the ethical concerns surrounding reproductive technologies?

Concerns include the unnatural aspect of the methods, what happens to unused embryos, and potential health risks to the mother and child.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a technique where egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside of the woman, in a laboratory.

What is the purpose of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a major treatment for infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed.

How does IVF work?

Eggs and sperm are collected and mixed in a Petri dish under conditions replicating the female reproductive tract.

What are the success rates of IVF based on age?

Success rates decrease with age: Up to 35 (40\%), Up to 39 (30\%), Up to 43 (20\%).

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

ICSI is a specialized procedure where a single sperm is injected into an egg cell in the laboratory.

When is ICSI typically used?

ICSI is used in extreme infertility situations where basic IVF has been unsuccessful or when a male has very low sperm production.

What is the success rate of ICSI procedures?

About 25\% of all ICSI procedures result in birth.

What is the function of the placenta during pregnancy?

The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients and wastes between the mother and the developing baby.

What are the differences between identical and fraternal twins?

Identical twins come from one zygote and share the same genetic makeup; fraternal twins come from two separate zygotes and are genetically different.

What is the significance of cryopreservation in IVF?

Cryopreservation allows for the freezing of extra embryos for transfer in a later cycle.

What is the definition of infertility?

Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive a child after 1 year of unprotected intercourse.

What interventions can be used to prevent or address infertility?

Diet changes, hormone injections, and freezing sperm or eggs prior to medical treatments.

Define artificial insemination.

Artificial insemination is the process of injecting sperm directly into the uterus of a female.

What is gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)?

It is a procedure where sperm and eggs are mixed and placed directly into the fallopian tubes of a female.

What are the ethical concerns surrounding reproductive technologies?

Concerns include the unnatural aspect of the methods, what happens to unused embryos, and potential health risks to the mother and child.

What is Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)?

ZIFT is an infertility treatment where an egg is fertilized in a laboratory and the resulting zygote is transferred to the fallopian tube.

What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)?

PGD is a screening test used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through IVF before they are implanted in the uterus.

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)?

OHSS is a medical condition that can occur as a complication of fertility medications where the ovaries become swollen and painful.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman carries a pregnancy for intended parents using an embryo created via IVF, meaning the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.

What is the role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in IVF?

hCG is a hormone often injected during the IVF process to trigger the final maturation of eggs before they are retrieved.