Assisted reproductive technologySpec 7.8
In short
Assisted reproductive technology uses hormones to help people who find it hard to have a baby. In IVF, the woman is given FSH and LH so several eggs mature; the eggs are collected, fertilised by sperm in a dish, and one or two embryos are placed in her uterus. Clomifene stimulates the release of FSH and LH so ovulation happens.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) helps people who find it hard to have a baby. Hormones are used in two types of treatment.
IVF (in vitro fertilisation)
- The woman is given FSH and LH. These make several eggs mature in her ovaries.
- The eggs are collected from the ovaries.
- The eggs are mixed with sperm in a dish in the laboratory, where they are fertilised.
- The fertilised eggs develop into embryos.
- One or two embryos are placed into the woman's uterus.
Clomifene therapy
Clomifene is a drug taken by women who do not ovulate. It stimulates the release of FSH and LH, so eggs mature and ovulation happens.
In IVF the hormones are given to make eggs mature. The fertilisation then happens outside the body. Keep these two ideas separate.
Quick check
Which hormone repairs the uterus lining and which maintains it?
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Oestrogen repairs it. Progesterone maintains it.
Around which day does ovulation happen in a 28-day cycle?
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Around day 14.
State one way the contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.
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It stops ovulation, or thickens the mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot get through.
Give one advantage of condoms over the pill.
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They protect against sexually transmitted infections.
What does clomifene do? (Higher)
Show answer
It stimulates the release of FSH and LH so that ovulation happens.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) specification · Updated October 2026