Exam Tips: Fertility Treatment

Learn the IVF steps in order: Many students know IVF involves eggs and sperm but cannot state the steps in sequence. Memorise Stimulate → Collect → Fertilise → Grow → Implant. A mark is awarded for each stage in the correct order.

Explain WHY FSH is given: Do not just say "FSH is injected." Say: FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which increases the number of embryos available, which improves the chance of at least one successful implantation. Each "because" step is an extra mark.

Evaluate questions need both sides: For "evaluate IVF" questions, list advantages first (allows infertile couples to have children, embryo screening), then disadvantages (low success rate, expensive, ethical concerns about unused embryos), then a conclusion. Do not just list disadvantages.

Ethical answers need structured argument: "Some people think... because... However, others argue... because..." — this structure earns full marks on ethics questions. Personal opinion alone scores 0.

Clomifene vs IVF distinction: Clomifene = tablet, natural conception after. IVF = injections, surgical collection, lab fertilisation. If a question says "the couple could not conceive naturally," IVF involves going beyond natural conception — always clarify the level of intervention.