Infertility — Core Principles
Core Principles
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). It can stem from male factors (e.g., low sperm count, poor motility), female factors (e.
g., ovulatory disorders like PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine issues), or a combination of both, sometimes remaining unexplained. Diagnosis involves assessing both partners through semen analysis, hormone tests, and imaging.
To overcome infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) are employed. Key ARTs include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where fertilization occurs outside the body and embryos are transferred to the uterus; Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT), where in vitro fertilized zygotes are placed in the fallopian tube; Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT), where eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tube for in vivo fertilization; Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected into an egg; and Artificial Insemination (AI), involving direct introduction of sperm into the female reproductive tract.
These technologies offer pathways to parenthood for many infertile couples.
Important Differences
vs IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT
| Aspect | This Topic | IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) | Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT) |
| Fertilization Location | Outside the body (in vitro) | Outside the body (in vitro) |
| Transferred Stage | Embryo (2-8 cell stage or blastocyst) | Zygote (fertilized egg) |
| Transfer Location | Uterus | Fallopian tube |
| Fallopian Tube Requirement | Not required (can bypass blocked tubes) | Required (at least one healthy tube) |
| Procedure | Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, uterine transfer. | Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization, zygote transfer to fallopian tube. |