5.3.6 - Use of Hormones to Treat Infertility

How do fertility drugs increases the chance of pregnancy?

Many fertility drugs contain FSH - which stimulates oestrogen production and the maturation of eggs in the ovary. They also contain LH which triggers ovulation.

What is IVF?

(In vitro fertilization) is a type of fertility treatment:

• Mother is given FSH and LH - stimulates maturation of eggs and ovulation.

• Eggs are fertilized using sperm in a laboratory - develops into embryos.

• 1 or 2 embryos are inserted into the mother’s womb.

What are the advantages of fertility treatment?

• Allows infertile couples to have children.

• Can store a woman’s eggs for later.

What are the disadvantages of fertility treatment?

• It can be a very expensive process.

• It has a low success rate - especially for older couples.

• Increases chance of multiple pregnancies - dangerous for mother and babies.

• Side effects of fertility drugs.