Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

When conventional therapies fail to help a couple conceive, a fertility specialist may turn to assisted reproductive technology (ART). Assisted reproductive technology provides hope for many who have struggled with infertility, but is more invasive and significantly more expensive than other types of infertility treatments.

Common Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes fertility treatments in which both sperm and eggs are manipulated. In vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and tubal embryo transfer (TET) are common ART procedures. Assisted reproductive technology also refers to specific lab and micromanipulation techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and laser hatching. These sperm and laser micromanipulation techniques are designed to enhance the effectiveness of IVF and other treatments to address a variety of infertility problems.

Who Can Benefit from ART?

Assisted reproductive technology procedures include surgically removing eggs from the ovaries, combining them with sperm in a laboratory dish, and placing them back in a woman’s body.

ART can benefit any couple who has experienced infertility due to the following common causes:

• Problems with the sperm such as low sperm count, low motility (movement), or abnormalities in the shape of the sperm
• Infertility experienced by women in their late 30s to 40s who are trying to conceive, an age when fertility naturally decreases
• Decline in egg quality, commonly due to age, genetic factors or unbalanced hormone levels
• Nonfunctional fallopian tubes caused by genetics, infections, or surgeries
• Endometriosis
• Unexplained fertility problems, especially for couples who have tried and failed to conceive for over a year

The first assisted reproductive technology procedure, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was developed to treat infertility due to a blockage of the fallopian tubes. Today, variations in technique have been developed that work better for infertility due to other problems.

Risks and Potential Problems Associated with ART Technology

Assisted reproductive technologies can help couples who have struggled with infertility achieve pregnancy. Although ART can help a couple conceive, there are multiple risks and problems associated with the procedures. The process of any ART procedure can be emotionally draining and put extensive physical and financial stress on a couple.

ART Success Rates

There is no guarantee that Assisted Reproductive Technologies will result in a pregnancy. According to a 2003 national study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control, close to 65 percent of ART cycles using fresh, non-donor eggs failed to produce a pregnancy. Therefore, more than one ART cycle may be needed to achieve a pregnancy.

ART Costs

Couples can also face financial stress due to ICSI cost, and in many cases, more than one cycle of fertility treatment is needed to achieve pregnancy.

Multiple Pregnancies

Many times, multiple embryos will be created and transferred to the uterus in order to increase the probability of a pregnancy. It is important to know that if multiple embryos are placed, they may all implant resulting in multiple pregnancies. Increased risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, and other complications are associated with multiple pregnancies.

Ectopic Pregnancy

There seems to be a slight increase in the chance of ectopic pregnancies with assistive reproduction technology procedures. In ectopic pregnancies, the embryo implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes, but sometimes in the abdomen, ovary, or cervix.

Fertility Drugs

Fertility drugs are used in the first step of most assisted reproductive technology cycles to stimulate ovulation, but the use of these drugs has been shown to increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), an overstimulation of the ovaries. In mild stages OHSS causes fluid build-up in the abdomen and discomfort, but in severe cases it can cause a life-threatening build-up of fluid around the abdomen, heart, and lungs, which requires hospitalization to prevent heart damage and liver failure. If OHSS occurs, the ART cycle will typically be stopped. Some studies have also linked the use of fertility drugs to an increase of ovarian cancer, but recent studies show no increased risk.

Locate a Fertility Clinic through DocShop

DocShop can help you locate a specialist who can help you find more information about assisted reproductive technology, including ICSI and laser hatching. We encourage you to discuss cost, risks, and other possible concerns you may have involving these various infertility treatments. Locate a fertility clinic in your area today.