5.3.3 The Uses of Hormones to Treat Infertility

Fertility drugs are used to increase the chance of pregnancy.

• The main hormones used are FSH and LH because they stimulate the maturation and release of the egg.
• The woman can then become pregnant normally.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is another treatment.

• The mother is given FSH and LH to encourage the maturation eggs
• These are extracted from the mother and fertilised in the lab using sperm
• The fertilised eggs develop into embryos and then one or two are inserted in the uterus

Benefits	Cons
Provides a way for an infertile couple to have a child.	It is physically stressful as women may have reactions to the hormones, such as feeling sick.
	It is emotionally stressful because it may not work• success rate for IVF is 26%.
	It can lead to multiple births • unexpected and may be a risk to the babies and the mother.
	Can be expensive if the process needs to be repeated.