Egg Extraction Technique Improves Chances of Conception

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after more than a year of unprotected pregnancy. The infertility rate in the country is around 10 to 15%, and the chances of a failure become higher as a woman grows old.

The number of infertile women is increasing in line with * late-marriage trends among workingwomen, * widespread use of contraception and * the rising number of abortion and venereal diseases. In particular, demand for infertility treatment is growing as people earn a lot and become more affordable.

Development in obstetrics and gynecology science has led to a significant breakthrough in invitro fertilization, or IVF, raising hopes for infertile couples. Invitro fertilization refers to operational techniques used to extract eggs from the ovary to treat infertility.

Since the first invitro baby was born in Seoul National University Hospital in 1985, some 100 fertility clinics have tried IVF operations every year.

According to the Korea Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, the chances of success with IVF were 27.8% in terms of conception and 20.6% in terms of delivery in 1997. When a couple repeatedly goes through IVF operations, the chances of conception reach up to 60%.

Dr. Kim Seok-hyeon at Seoul National University Hospital

Sources: Medical information portal Virtual MD (www.virtualmd.co.kr)