When being faced with infertility problems, couples feel trapped. Having a baby is one of the most precious things life has to offer, and when a woman cannot conceive for one reason or another, the would-be mom and dad feel both helpless and hopeless. With the help of in vitro fertilization, however, hope is not lost.

The phrase "in vitro" in Latin literally means with(in) the glass, so by this you can recognize where the phrase "test tube baby" came from; that's rightin vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is the process by which a woman's egg and a man's sperm are mixed together in a laboratory dish. From there the egg is fertilized and a few of the resulting embryos (2-4, depending on the woman's age) is inserted into the woman's womb where it develops naturally from there on out. So now that you know WHAT in vitro fertilization is, now you must further decide if it is right for you or your partner.

Firstly, you must know who is a good candidate for IVF. If you or your partner has any of the following infertility problems, IVF could work for you.

-Ovulation disorders
-Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
-Endometriosis
-Low sperm count
-Sperm problems such as sperm immobility

Next is a list of the pros and cons of the procedure:

PROS

-The most obvious is that it helps infertile couples have children.
-Not as painful as you might expect.
-Roughly a 67% success rate for women younger than 35 years old.
-IVF has given scientists the chance to study fertilization and embryonic development, thus studying how they may reduce the chances of birth defects.
-May also help with other medical advancements.

CONS

-Price: The cost of anything is a con, and at $7,000 to $15,000 per cycle, it isn't cheap.
-The procedure isn't covered by insurance in most states.
-Moral and ethical concerns exist, mostly concerning religious beliefs.
-The success rate of the surgery highly depends on the condition of the woman's reproductive system and her age.
-Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a somewhat common side effect.
- Infections, bleeding and injury to structures around the ovary may occur.
-Premature delivery can cause added complications in birth.
-Multiple pregnancies at the same time can increase birthing problems
-Pelvic and abdominal bloating may occur.
- Some women experience minor mood changes, headaches and nausea.
-A higher chance of malformed babies being grown.
-Some people think that IVF will aid in the destruction of the nuclear family.
-Lastly, the procedure is not 100% guaranteed to work.

In vitro fertilization may or may not be the procedure for you or your partner. Before deciding to go through with it, figure out what the exact infertility problem is, and speak with your doctor. Other options might be available, including (but not limited to) adoption. Every couple has a right to have a baby, and with the advancements in technology and other options today, ever couple has hope.

Works Cited:
"In Vitro Fertilization". Docshop. http://www.docshop.com/educati on/fertility/treatments/in-vit ro/. 2006 Einstein Medical. 4/7/07

"In Vitro Fertilization". eMedicineHealth. http://www.emedicinehealth.com /in_vitro_fertilization/articl e_em.htm. Copyright 2003-2007 by WebMD. 4/7/07.

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