Tekohedelmöitys

Tekohedelmöitys, also known as assisted reproductive technology (ART), refers to a group of medical procedures used to help individuals or couples with infertility conceive a child. These techniques involve manipulating eggs and sperm outside the body. The most common form of tekohedelmöitys is in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then cultured for a few days and transferred into the uterus.

Other ART procedures include intrauterine insemination (IUI), where sperm is directly placed into the uterus during ovulation, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. Egg donation and sperm donation can also be utilized within ART to assist individuals who cannot use their own gametes.

Tekohedelmöitys is typically considered when other fertility treatments have been unsuccessful or when there are specific medical reasons for infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or ovulation disorders. The process involves a series of medical evaluations, hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Success rates for tekohedelmöitys vary depending on factors such as age, the cause of infertility, and the specific clinic. While generally safe, potential risks and side effects can include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and ectopic pregnancies.