Reproduction is the process wherein there is fusion of the male and female gametes resultingin the exchange of genetic material, thus forming a new individual with an entirely different genotype.

Mammals reproduce through sexual reproduction but technology now allows mammals to reproduce “asexually” through the process of in vitro fertilization. In this technique, the entire process of fertilization takes place outside a woman’s body. This involves extracting a womans eggs, fertilizing the eggs in the laboratory with sperm, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the womans uterus through the cervix (embryo transfer) where it can develop. Most couples transfer two embryos; however, more may be transferred in certain cases. IVF is the most common form of ART and it is often the treatment of choice for a woman with blocked, severely damaged, or absent fallopian tubes.

Tubal Disease

Male Factor

Endometriosis

Ovulatory Dysfunction

Duration of infertility greater than 3 or 4 years

Multiple IUI failures

Severe multiple factor infertility

Immunological infertility

Unexplained infertility

Indications For IVF

Evaluation & Preparation of a Couple

Proper evaluation of infertile couple before IVF is very important for success of IVF

and prevention of complications. Any ART procedure should be preceded by

traditional fertility workup & at this stage it should be decided whether ART should

be instituted, postponed for other treatment modalities or refused to the couple. Once

the patient has been selected to undergo ART treatment, thorough testing of patient

should be undertaken to correct any problems which may lead to IVF failure. At this

stage, it should also be decided whether specific procedure such as egg, sperm or

embryo donation is required.

Routine Tests Before Proceeding For IVF

Baseline Hormones To Test For Ovarian Reserve

Semen Analysis

Semen Culture And Sensitivity

Strict Sperm Morphology