Here are several interesting In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) facts thanks to the help of recent research and a look back into history. Read on for a lighter look at this fascinating procedure.
Robert G. Edwards was Awarded the Nobel Prize
The English physiologist was born in Yorkshire and received the Nobel Prize in 2010 in the category of ‘Physiology or Medicine’. Edwards also received the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award in 2001, and was ranked 26th in the Telegraph’s list of 100 greatest living geniuses in 2007. According to a BBC news article in 2013, his determination and dedication stemmed from a conviction that “the most important thing in life is having a child.”
Rajo Devi Lohan is the World’s Oldest Mother with IVF Treatment
Rajo Devi Lohan gave birth in 2006 at the age of 66 (and 358 days) to twin boys in Giuleşti Maternity Hospital in Bucharest. She received much criticism at the time for her age, which she defended firmly. She admitted to fabricating her age in order to receive treatment because she had so desperately wanted a child.
Costa Rica Has Only Recently Lifted Their Ban on IVF Treatment
The predominately Catholic country was the only remaining on in the western hemisphere that had still restricted the procedure by law. It was only on September 10, 2015 that president Luis Guillermo Solis rendered it legal via a decree.
Fertilisation Rate is Higher in Eggs Subjected to Music!
A study was done at Institut Marques fertility Clinique in Barcelona Spain with 1,000 embryos. 500 were subjected to music during IVF. This included a variety of genres and artists played 24 hours per day such as Mozart, Madonna, Metallica, Nirvana and Michael Jackson.
The other 500 embryos did not have access to music in their incubators. For the eggs fertilised, rates were higher by 5% in incubators in which music was being played. The study also indicated that the type of music did not factor into the rate of fertility.
Masturbation 5 Days Prior to Sperm Samples can Lead to Sperm with Better Motility and Morphology.
Men used to be asked to abstain from masturbation for longer periods of time before providing a sperm sample for the IVF cycle. While Concept Fertility advises patients to abstain for 3-5 days, it’s encouraged that patients not abstain for more than five days prior to their sample. Masturbation 5 days before donation helps the body replace older sperm with newer sperm, giving the newer sperm less opportunity to develop abnormalities.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article on IVF facts! Let us know if we’ve missed any!
