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D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF uses hormone treatment, egg collection, fertilization outside the body, embryo culture, embryo transfer and follow-up testing for pregnancy confirmation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D3.1.7
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2024
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–9

Common command terms

  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Listing IVF steps but omitting either hormone stimulation, egg collection, external fertilization or embryo transfer.

Recent exam appearances

November 2024Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ130[ 1 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)
May 2014Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ16(b)[ 8 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)
May 2011Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ16(a)[ 9 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Coverage 2011–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

IVF Coordinates Hormone Control, Laboratory Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

1

Control and stimulation: suppress the natural cycle when the protocol requires it → inject FSH to develop multiple follicles → give an hCG trigger to coordinate final oocyte maturation.

2

Collection and culture: retrieve oocytes → combine with prepared sperm or inject one sperm → culture fertilized embryos and assess early development.

3

Transfer and support: place selected embryo or embryos in the uterus → provide progesterone support to maintain a receptive endometrium → test for pregnancy.

Transferring more embryos can increase the chance that one implants but also increases multiple-pregnancy risk. Modern protocols balance success with maternal and foetal safety.

Human Reproduction Coordinates Ploidy, Place and Hormone Timing

meiosis halves chromosome-set number and reshuffles alleles → specialized haploid gametes form → random fertilization restores diploidy → mitosis grows the genetically unique zygote

Transition Main location Key control or structure
sperm production and maturation testis → epididymis FSH/testosterone; seminiferous tubules
follicle growth and ovulation ovary FSH, oestradiol and LH surge
fertilization upper oviduct gamete encounter and membrane fusion
implantation preparation endometrium oestradiol and progesterone
IVF intervention clinic/laboratory → uterus controlled stimulation, retrieval, culture and transfer

When explaining a reproductive event, name the chromosome state, the anatomical location and the controlling signal. Mixing these three levels is the main source of fragmented answers.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

[ 9 ]

Embryos that are produced by in vitro fertilization can be screened for genetic disease. Outline the process of in vitro fertilization, including one example of a situation when it is used.

Concept essentials

  • FSH stimulation is used to produce more eggs than in a normal cycle.
  • Fertilization and early embryo culture occur outside the body during IVF.
  • Ethical evaluation of IVF includes benefits, risks, equity and embryo status.