Match the descriptions with the following images.
A.B.
C. D.
i. Egg and the sperm are injected into the fallopian tubes.
ii. The embryo is transferred to the uterus.
iii. The sperm is directly inserted into the egg and then implanted in the uterus.
iv. Sperms are injected into the uterus.
iii⇒A, ii⇒B, iv⇒C, i⇒D
The first image (A) shown is of Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This method is successful in those couples having trouble with fertilization of the egg by the sperm, due to problems in transport, irregular ovulation, etc and also when the male partner either has a low sperm count, not suitable for collection of large amount of sperm required for IVF, or is unable to successfully fertilize the ovum on its own. Eggs are harvested and fertilized by injecting a sperm taken from the father, into the egg. Fertilisation takes place in a culture dish designed to replicate the conditions in a woman’s uterus. Once the embryo has sufficiently matured usually after 3 to 5 days, it is inserted into the uterus of the donor mother for further development.
The second image (B) shown depicts IVF. This method is successful in those couples having trouble with fertilization of the egg by the sperm, due to problems in transport, irregular ovulation, etc. The semen collected from the father is used to fertilize the ovum harvested from the mother, in a culture dish. The resultant embryo can be transferred either by ZIFT or GIFT.
For some couples, the problem lies with a male partner who is incapable of successfully inseminating the female. In such cases artificial insemination, shown in image (C), is implemented. In this procedure sperm is harvested from the male, or a healthy donor in case the male partner cannot produce healthy sperm, and injected into the uterus called Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
The final image (D) shown is of GIFT. Here the eggs are harvested and then placed in the fallopian tube of the mother along with the sperm collected from the father.