Infertility

Methods of Overcoming Infertility

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): In Vitro Fertilization

Left: R. Edwards Right: P.C. Steptoe. Pioneers of In Vitro Fertilization.

The First "Test Tube Baby"
The technique in vitro fertilization was originally developed to help women with blocked or defective Fallopian tubes. Using a simple invasive surgical technique (laparoscopy), mature eggs were removed directly from the ovaries, fertilized outside the body, and then, bypassing the Fallopian tubes, re-inserted directly into the uterus. This method was perfected in the 1970s by the English obstetrician Patrick C. Steptoe (1913-88) together with the biologist Robert Edwards (1925- ). As a result, in 1978, the first "test tube baby" was born. Since then, thousands of others have followed. However, most infertile couples wanting children can and are being helped with simpler techniques such as hormone therapy or artificial insemination.