In vitro fertilisation

In vitro fertilisation and moral equivalence.

In vitro fertilisation: the major issues.

In vitro fertilisation is now an established technique for treating some forms of infertility, yet it remains ethically controversial. New developments, such as embryo donation and embryo freezing, have led to further discussion. We briefly discuss the ethical aspects of IVF, focusing on the issues of resource allocation, the 'unnaturalness' of the procedure, the moral status of the embryo, sur...

In vitro fertilisation for unexplained subfertility.

BACKGROUND One-third of subfertile couples have no identifiable cause for their inability to conceive. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a widely accepted treatment for this condition; however, this treatment is invasive and expensive and is associated with risks. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IVF compared with expectant management, unstimulated intrauterine inseminatio...

Recent advances in clinical aspects of in vitro fertilisation.

While early success rates using in vitro fertilisation ranged from 10% to 15%, improved technology has more than doubled that rate, owing to the availability of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone, improved ovarian stimulation protocols, and assisted fertilisation technology. This latter technology has already revolutionised the management of male-factor infertility. The future goal is to ...

Increased risk of multiple sclerosis relapse after in vitro fertilisation.

BACKGROUND Exogenous sexual steroids together with pregnancy have been shown to influence the risk of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS). Treatments used during assisted reproductive techniques may consequently influence the short term evolution of MS by modifying the hormonal status of the patient. The objective of this study was to determine if there was an increased risk of developing exace...