Assisted Reproductive Technology therapy

Assisted Reproductive Technology Therapy

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a set of medical techniques used to help couples who have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Common ART methods include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

When a couple is unable to conceive naturally, doctors often recommend that they pursue ART therapy. The success rate of various procedures vary depending on numerous factors, such as the woman's age, the cause for fertility, and the technological orientation of the clinic.

In order to be offered ART in the United States, couples must receive a referral from their obstetrician/gynacologist. The couple must also meet certain criteria, such as both partners being of child-bearing age, and the couple must be undertaking the process for the purpose of having a child.

What Is Involved in ART Therapy?

The first step is to understand the reason for infertility and to create a plan for achieving pregnancy. This may include diagnostics to evaluate the quality of semen, ova, and general physical health of the couple.

Once the couple has been deemed suitable for ART, the actual treatment begins. Depending on the couple’s personal goals and underlying diagnosis, they may undergo any of the following procedures:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – This involves retrieving mature eggs from the woman’s body, mixing them with the man’s sperm, and then transferring the fertilized embryo into the woman’s uterus.
• Gestational Surrogacy – This is a process whereby an embryo is formed by in vitro fertilization and implanted into a surrogate, typically in cases when the mother is unable to carry or sustain a pregnancy.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – This is a more specialized technique used when the number of sperm cells is limited. Instead of mixing the male sperm and the female ova, a single sperm is injected directly into the ova.
• Gamete Intrafollicuin Transfer (GIFT) – GIFT is similar to IVF, except it involves the transfer of gametes directly to the fallopian tube, thus impregnating the woman naturally.

Once these procedures are completed, the couple enters a period of observation to assess the success of the fertilization process.

What Is the Success Rate of ART Therapy?

The success rate of ART therapy is difficult to determine, as it depends on numerous factors, such as the age of the couple, the underlying cause of infertility, and the technology of the clinic or facility used. Generally, it is estimated that the success rate of ART therapy is between 20% and 40%.

Conclusion

ART therapy is a complex and often-stressful process, but those who pursue it often experience positive results. Couples who are able to conceive and carry to term are usually rewarded with a much-desired child. As technology in the field continues to improve, so too do the chances of success.