In vitro fertilization: Four decades of reflections and promises (original) (raw)
Related papers
advance that represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of many types of infertility. The inability to conceive a child is a reproductive defect that afflicts more than 10% of all couples worldwide. During the 1950s, Edwards came to realize the potential of IVF as a treatment for this medical condition. What inspired him to take on this challenge was his research on how hormones control critical ovarian functions in mice, such as oocyte maturation and ovulation. By a brilliant combination of basic and applied medical research, Edwards overcame one technical hurdle after another in his persistance to discover a method that would help to alleviate infertility. He was the first to show that human oocytes could undergo in vitro maturation, as well as fertilization in vitro. He was also the first to show that in vitro fertilized human oocytes could give rise to early stage embryos and blastocysts. All of Edwards' accomplishments came together at 11.47 PM, on July 25 1978 with the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the worlds' first child conceived through IVF. Dr. Robert G. Edwards' research has completely transformed the field of reproductive medicine and today close to 4 million babies have been born thanks to the discovery of human IVF.
Thirty years of IVF: The legacy of Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards
Human Fertility, 2009
In this article, the author presents a review of the early collaboration between Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards, gynecologist and scientist, which ultimately led to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the first baby to be born as a result of in-vitro fertilisation. Following this momentous event, the author shows how Steptoe and Edwards continued to influence further developments in the treatment of infertile couples, both in the United Kingdom and Worldwide.
Appraisal of in vitro fertilization
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 1993
In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer techniques are now used all over the world (53 countries). The results of 492 of all world units were collected from national surveys and registries of different countries. Since 1985, more than 53 635 women were treated and 34 316 babies were born by 224 473 treatment cycles, followed by more than 160 518 transfer cycles. Only about 65%-75% of all resulting pregnancies attained live births. The remainder ended with spontaneous abortions (26%), or ectopic pregnancies (5.54%). The multiple pregnancy rate (22%) was higher than the normal population and contributed to higher rates of preterm deliveries and perinatal mortality. No increased incidence of chromosomal aberrations and malformations were noted during the years (2.25%). Success rates did not improve significantly within the 5-year period surveyed, in most parts of the world. The indications for treatment were broadened during the years and the procedure became a final step for diagnosis and treatment of unexplained infertility. We conclude that IVF/ET is not an empirical treatment anymore and is a relatively safe procedure, although it should be used only when properly indicated. Male infertility and infertility of unexplained origin may be accepted indications for IVF/ET. More research and centralization of treatment in fewer but large units should be established in order to improve success rates and lower the cost per live birth child. Quality control by professional or public associations should be regulated.
Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization
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In Vitro Fertilization Research is Translational Research
Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 2016
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the perfect example of translational research. Changes in IVF and the IVF laboratory have been transmitted to clinical care, showing dramatic improvements in health outcomes, including notable increases in the cumulative pregnancy rate. Current research in the laboratory focusing on culture media, embryo selection criteria, and implementation of genetic testing and manipulation promises to translate to further improvements in our ability to assist human reproduction. The field of IVF and ART remains a large source for clinical and scientific discovery and development, and will require the proper interested and invested personnel, occupational structuring, and funding for continued success.
Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biology
The concept of assisted reproductive technologies was most notably derived from the late 19 th Century experiments of Sir Walter Heape who successfully transplanted rabbit embryos. Interestingly, it was not until the late 1940's and 1950's that renewed interests in rabbit embryo transfer and cryobiology occurred. The history behind developing effective procedures can be fascinating, though few could be more accidental than Dr. Chris Polge's discovery of glycerol (1948), from a mislabeled bottle of sugar solutions, being an effective cryoprotective agent for sperm freezing. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss four key scientific breakthrough technologies occurring between 1985 and 1995, which ultimately shaped the future of today's human in vitro fertilization (IVF) industry. More importantly, this paper highlights the foundation of underlying related discoveries and some unique stories involving their development and publication. In the end, this paper emphasizes the value of understanding scientific discovery timetables and the eventual re-discovery in the hands and minds of creative, determined and dedicated scientists, as history tends to repeat itself before its useful application is realized.