Question

Suggest some methods to assist infertile couples to have children.

Answer 1

Infertile couples can be assisted by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

The methods are as follows:

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Commonly known as the “Test Tube Baby” programme, this is the most widely used ART method. Ova (eggs) from the wife/donor and sperm from the husband/donor are collected and induced to form a zygote under simulated conditions in a laboratory. The zygote or early embryo is then transferred into the uterus or fallopian tube.
2. Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT): A procedure in which eggs are retrieved from a woman, mixed with sperm and immediately replaced in one or the other of the woman’s fallopian tubes so that they fertilize inside the body (invivo).
3. Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): In this method, sperm and eggs are retrieved from both parents. A single sperm is injected directly into an egg; then, the fertilized egg is implanted into the woman’s uterus.
4. Artificial insemination technique (AIT): In this technique, the semen is collected either from the husband or a healthy donor and is artificially introduced either into the vagina or into the uterus of the female (IUI - Intra-uterine insemination).
5. Zygote intra fallopian transfer (ZIFT): ZIFT later transfers the zygote or early embryo to a woman’s fallopian tube.