BC Science 9: p

Infertility  Infertility is the inability of a couple to have a baby.  Approximately three in twenty couples are infertile.  Infertility can be seen in the male, female, or both.  Common causes: Male is unable to produce enough sperm. Woman is unable to produce enough hormones. Some treatments of diseases can lead to infertility (eg. chemotherapy).  In some cases, infertility can be corrected through medical treatment.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies  There are different methods by which the infertile couple can attempt to have a baby.  Most of these techniques include removing the egg cells from a woman's body, fertilizing them, and returning the embryos to the uterus.  The uterus is the organ in a female mammal in which an embryo develops and is nourished.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies  There are five main methods of assisted reproduction in humans: 1. Artificial Insemination 2. In Vitro Fertilization 3. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer 4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection 5. Surrogacy

1. Artificial Insemination (AI)  Donor sperm is placed inside a female via injection.  This method was first developed in animals more than 200 years ago.  Artificial insemination is commonly used to breed farm animals.  In some human cases, the female’s partner provides sperm.  If the male’s sperm is compromised, a donor may be used.

2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)  Egg and sperm cell are collected.  Fertilization occurs in a petri dish.  Embryo(s) are placed inside a female’s uterus to grow and develop.  Powerful hormone treatments are used to increase egg production.  The chances of multiple births increases with IVF.  Approximately one in three couples are successful in conceiving via IVF.

3. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)  Egg cells and sperm cells are extracted and mixed in a test tube.  The mixture is immediately injected into the fallopian tubes.  Fertilization takes place internally.  This procedure has a 30% success rate.

4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)  A single sperm cell is injected into an egg cell.  The resulting zygote is injected directly into the uterus of the woman.  This method can be used if the man has a severe fertility problem (eg. low sperm count).  This procedure has a 25% success rate.

5. Surrogacy  A surrogate mother can be used to give birth to a child for another couple.  A couple’s egg and sperm cells are combined externally and the resulting embryo is inserted into the uterus of the surrogate mother.  In some cases, the surrogate mother is asked to provide the egg cell for the pregnancy.

Impact on Society  Able to help many infertile couples conceive a child.  Evidence that some technologies may lead to genetic defects.  Some people believe that all embryos should develop into humans.  Individuals that are born via AI will rarely know who their father is.