Making eggs and sperm in the lab is at the research stage.
It cannot be done in humans
at this time.
Science FAQs
If this technology involves creating sperm or eggs outside of the body, does the pregnancy occur outside of the body as well?
No. Just as with IVF, the resulting embryo would have to be transferred to a uterus, whether that of the intended parent or a surrogate.
Is it considered cloning?
No. Just like traditional reproduction, IVG involves the random union of an egg with a sperm. The end result would be a unique individual whose DNA is a mix of their parents' DNA.
Will the child born from the egg or sperm be like a sibling to the parent that underwent IVG?
No. After fertilization, the DNA of egg and sperm would recombine, creating a unique individual.
Is it an alternative to IVF?
No. IVF (or in some cases artificial insemination) would still be used to fertilize the egg or sperm that was created using IVG.
Does it involve editing the genome of the produced egg or sperm?
No. IVG is different from
genome editing.
Would it be possible for a person to create a gamete opposite to their birth sex?
Yes, in theory. Once the skin cell is reprogrammed, it could become either an egg or a sperm.