The In Vitro Method

In 1978, the first IVF baby was born in England.

For many couples, the inability to conceive a child is devastating. Infertility affects 15 percent of couples in the United States, however, statistics show that 40 percent of women who use in vitro fertilization become pregnant.

Definition

Vitro literally means "glass," as compared to vivo, which means "alive." An in vitro conception refers to a pregnancy that occurs with laboratory assistance, whereas in vivo refers to a naturally occurring, biological conception.

Procedure

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a laboratory procedure in which a man's sperm and a woman's egg are placed in a glass dish, also called Petri dish, to achieve fertilization. After the eggs are fertilized, they are placed in the uterus using a catheter to begin pregnancy.

Causes

While IVF was originally developed to help women with damaged Fallopian tubes conceive, the cause of infertility can rest in a man or a woman. Genetic conditions, health problems, environmental or lifestyle factors can all affect a couple's likelihood to conceive.

References

• Cleveland Clinic: Infertility Treatment
• MedicineNet: Definition of Fertilization, in vitro