Infertility: The
Option of Using In
Vitro Fertilization
By Anna Santos-Villar | 23 June 2010
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
How it works
This method has gained increasing popularity over
the years, especially because celebrities here and in
Hollywood have brazenly admitted to having gone
through IVF to treat their infertility. This assisted
reproductive technology involves fertilizing eggs
with the sperm outside the womens body and then
transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus. The
maximum embryos allowed for implantation here in
the Philippines are two, according to Dr. Joan TanGarcia, endocrinologist, infertility and menopause
specialist.
Condition
Cost
If the woman has blocked fallopian tubes,
endometriosis, fibroids, genetic defects, or ovarian
cysts, IVF is deemed necessary. Dr. Tan-Garcia
enumerates the following as prerequisites for IVF:
adequate number and good quality live sperm, good
cervical health (sperms can only survive at a level
of acidity in the cervix; any infection in the cervix is
not conducive to sperm survival), a passable,
unobstructed fallopian tube, and an egg. Without
one of the above mentioned, IVF or any other
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
1) How common is In vitro fertilization in the Philippines?
In vitro fertilization is becoming popular in the Philippines nowadays due to the
rising incidence of problems in fertilization also because of the arising diseases
in the society today. Theres no actual findings but survey shows that 2 out of
15 women are thinking of this choice to become mothers.
2) What is the definition of In vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man's sperm and a
woman's eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. One or more fertilized
eggs (embryos) may be transferred to the woman's uterus, where they may implant in the
uterine lining and develop.
When I read this article, I somehow felt worried, what if time comes and realize
that I need this? Its too expensive, but I am also happy that science can invent
such procedures which gives hope to those who cannot normally bear children.
6) Application.
I can apply my learning in this article as a future nurse by being a client
advocate in a sense that I must intensify my health education to my clients
which are having a hard time bearing a child, options must be discussed to
them thoroughly.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
1) Whether or not it is moral, should in vitro fertilization (IVF) be legal? Why?
Yes, and actually it is already legal, legality are just being debated when it
comes to the purpose of the IVF.
2) Is it a free choice to seek in vitro fertilization (IVF) be legal? Why?
Yes, it is a free choice, and it should be legal because it is one of the best
options for the married couples who cannot bear a child normally, it is the
couples right and we as nurses should respect it as long as its purpose is good.
3) Should doctors and nurses be able to object according to their conscience?
Yes, most especially in instances that the in vitro fertilization is being planned to
use for stem cell procedures, this is not morally accepted. So with these, if such
case happens doctors and nurses must be able to object according to their
conscience.
4) What is the role of the nurse in decisions about stem cell?
The role of the nurse in decisions about in vitro fertilization is to address the
concerns of the patient and his family and to further clarify any questions
pertaining to the explanation of the physician with regards to the procedure,
and of course to explore further the real reason behind the patients decision to
undergo the procedure.
5) What can u say about in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
For me, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the promising innovations in the
medical science, however it must be properly used and be limited to avoid
disobeying the moral ethics of the medical science. Like when it is used as a
material for stem cell, that should be avoided. Although it could save a life but it
is somehow putting another potential life at waste.