Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a high-tech means of making a baby that’s used by millions of couples. With assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs are removed from your body and then mixed with the male’s sperm to make embryos. Then, in a few days the fertilized eggs are put back into your uterus.
The ART of getting pregnant
Using assisted reproductive technology, couples with male and female fertility issues can bypass a number of fertility-related problems, get pregnant, and produce healthy babies.
Over the past decade, assisted reproductive technology has been greatly simplified. For instance, egg retrieval with IVF can be done in a doctor’s office using ultrasound instead of at a hospital with general anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery.
Types of assisted reproductive technology
Most commonly, assisted reproductive technology refers to the transfer of fertilized human eggs into a woman’s uterus, or procedures that use some form of IVF. ART procedures include IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT, and associated procedures.
The main types of assisted reproductive technology used today include:
In vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is the oldest and most widely used assisted reproductive technology. With IVF, the retrieved eggs are fertilized outside your body in a laboratory setting where they are mixed with your partner’s sperm. After 3 to 5 days, healthy embryos are implanted in your uterus. IVF is used if your tubes are blocked or absent or if your male partner has low quality or quantity of sperm.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). ZIFT, also called Tubal Embryo Transfer, is similar to IVF as fertilization of the egg happens in the lab. Yet with ZIFT, the embryo is transferred to the fallopian tube – not to your uterus.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). With this assisted reproductive technology, follicles are aspirated during laparoscopy and the unfertilized oocytes are placed in the fallopian tube along with a sample of unprepared sperm. This assisted reproductive technology allows fertilization to occur naturally inside your body (not outside), the way a normally, fertilized egg would start its journey to the uterus for implantation. Any remaining eggs following the GIFT transfer may be inseminated with sperm in a laboratory dish and the resulting embryos can be frozen.
Combination ART cycle. This assisted reproductive technology cycle may include IVF with ZIFT or GIFT.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI). This is the simplest form of assisted reproductive technology. IUI is used to improve the number of sperm reaching the site of fertilization in male factor infertility. With this assisted reproductive technology, the fertility specialist places the male’s washed sperm directly into your uterus. Because the sperm passes the cervix and goes directly to your uterus, IUI can overcome hostile cervical mucus that may obstruct fertilization and pregnancy.
ART or science?
While many clinics report successful assisted reproductive technology treatments, your chances of becoming pregnant and having a live birth with ART are directly related to key factors outside of the fertility clinic’s control, including:
- your age
- the cause of infertility
- the number of children you already have.
Studies show that very few women under age 25 use assisted reproductive technology, and very few women over age 45 undergo assisted reproductive technology with their own eggs.
Talk with your doctor about ART
No matter what your age or problem with fertility, there is help. With all the new breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technology, your doctor can assess your fertility problems and make recommendations that maximize your chances of conception.
There is great hope for future babies with assisted reproductive technology — so be sure and seek answers until you are pregnant with your own child.
Sources: American Society of Reproductive Medicine: Selecting an ART Program MedlinePlus: In vitro fertilization: IVF CDC: Assisted Reproductive Technology American Society of Reproductive Medicine: Selecting an ART Program Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Guide for Patients CDC: 2006 Assisted Reproductive Technology Report: Home INCIID: New Developments in Assisted Reproductive Medicine
