# Explain how IVF is used to help a couple who are experiencing infertility, and describe TWO limitations of using IVF as a fertility treatment.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 4.1 Reproductive biology · Explain · 5 marks

> Infertility affects many couples who wish to have children. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one method used to help these couples conceive.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. IVF involves fertilisation of an egg using sperm outside of the body
2. Eggs are collected from the woman's ovaries (after hormone treatment to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs)
3. The fertilised egg(s) / embryo(s) are implanted into the woman's uterus
4. Any ONE valid limitation — e.g. IVF has a low success rate / not guaranteed to result in pregnancy
5. Any SECOND valid limitation — e.g. it is expensive / can result in multiple pregnancies which carry health risks / emotionally stressful / raises ethical issues about unused embryos

## Key terms

- [infertility](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/infertility)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-ivf-is-used-to-b2cd96ec) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.