Assisted reproductive technology (ART) provides hope and opportunity for individuals or couples struggling with infertility or unable to conceive on their own. Through procedures such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, ART allows for the possibility of conception and a successful pregnancy.
This article covers the different applications and benefits of ART and the role of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine.
What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology refers to medical procedures and techniques used to assist individuals or couples in achieving pregnancy when they have been unsuccessful through natural means.
These techniques involve the manipulation of sperm, eggs, or embryos outside of the body to increase the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.
Expanding the Possibilities of Parenthood
Before ART, individuals and couples facing infertility or unable to conceive on their own had limited options. They would either have to rely on natural conception, undergo various surgeries or basic fertility treatments with limited success rates, or consider alternative options such as adoption or surrogacy.
However, ART has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine by offering new possibilities for individuals and couples to conceive and have children of their own. For example, ART can help individuals overcome issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility (including low sperm count or motility), and age-related fertility decline.
By using ART, individuals and couples can increase their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and experiencing the joys of parenthood.
The Recent Growth of the Fertility Industry
The fertility industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth, driven by a combination of changing societal trends and advancements in medical technology.
Statistical Evidence of Growth
- Rising ART cycles: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of ART cycles performed in the U.S. increased from 163,045 in 2011 to 326,468 in 2020. This represents a growth of over 100%.
- Expanding clinic networks: The number of fertility clinics in the U.S. has also grown steadily, with more than 450 clinics now operating nationwide. This expansion has made fertility services more accessible to patients across the country.
- Employer-sponsored fertility benefits: Many employers are offering fertility benefits as part of their employee health insurance plans, making ART more affordable and accessible to people who previously may not have been able to afford or access these treatments.
Factors Driving Growth
- Changing societal trends: The average age of first-time mothers has been increasing steadily, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related fertility issues. Additionally, societal attitudes towards infertility have become more open and understanding, reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek ART as a viable solution.
- Advancements in ART: Advancements in ART, such as oocyte vitrification (egg freezing), preimplantation genetic testing, frozen embryo transfer, and time-lapse imaging, have significantly improved success rates and expanded the options available to individuals and couples undergoing infertility treatment.
- Increasing awareness: Public awareness of infertility and ART options has grown significantly, thanks to media coverage, educational campaigns, and support groups.
Common Procedures in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Some of the most common ART procedures include:
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
IVF is the most common and well-established ART procedure, with a live birth success rate of ~82% for women under the age of 35, according to the CDC. This procedure involves several steps:
- Controlled ovarian stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Sperm preparation
- Fertilization
- Embryo culture and monitoring
- Embryo transfer
Eggs can be fertilized in two ways: 1) intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, or 2) conventional insemination, in which an egg is placed together with many sperm and observed until one sperm fertilizes the egg.
Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is a procedure in which embryos are transferred into the intended parent’s uterus. This procedure is typically used after IVF is performed to make embryos.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Before artificial intelligence (AI), fertility specialists examined embryos under a microscope to assess their quality and select the best ones for transfer. This can be subjective as it relies on the expertise and experience of the clinician.
AI and Embryo Selection
However, with the advent of AI, computer algorithms can analyze embryo images and objectively assess their quality. This reduces the subjectivity of embryo selection and standardizes scoring for embryo quality. The benefits of AI for embryo selection have not been conclusively proven. Further studies on this emerging technology are recommended.
AI and Personalized ART Treatments
AI is also helping fertility specialists to individualize ART treatments based on patient-specific factors such as age, medical history, and response to previous treatments. With algorithms that can analyze a person’s genetic information, AI may help identify the most effective treatment methods, increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Looking Towards the Future
As AI continues to evolve, its role in ART is expected to expand, potentially leading to even greater success rates, improved patient experiences, and a more personalized approach to fertility treatment.
AI researchers and clinicians are collaborating to develop even more sophisticated AI tools to predict the optimal timing of embryo transfer, identify genetic abnormalities in embryos before transfer, personalize medication dosages for optimal ovarian stimulation, and provide real-time guidance during ART procedures.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
ART is a powerful tool that can help people become parents, but it also raises several important ethical and legal questions.
Embryo Selection and Discard
One of the most challenging ethical issues in ART is deciding which embryos to transfer into the intended parent’s uterus and which to discard. This decision is often based on the embryos’ potential for successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy.
In some cases, embryo selection is used to choose embryos of a specific sex, a practice known as sex selection for non-medical reasons (SNMR). While SNMR is prohibited in many countries due to ethical concerns, it remains controversial.
The Psychological Impact of ART on Individuals and Families
The emotional rollercoaster of ART can be taxing on individuals and families undergoing fertility treatment. The hopes, setbacks, and potential disappointments can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Additionally, the use of ART raises questions about the potential long-term psychological impact on children born through these technologies.
Benefits and Challenges of Assisted Reproductive Technology
In addition to helping infertile individuals and couples achieve their dream of becoming parents, ART has other benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of miscarriage: ART can help reduce the risk of miscarriage, especially for people with an increased risk of pregnancy loss.
- Preventing genetic disorders: ART procedures such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can help identify and prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to offspring.
- Family planning for all: ART has opened up family planning options for same-sex couples and single individuals who wish to have biological children.
- Reproductive autonomy: ART empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning.
- Preserving fertility: ART can be used to preserve fertility for individuals who may undergo medical treatments that could affect their reproductive potential or for those who are planning families later.
Despite these remarkable benefits, ART also comes with its own set of challenges:
- Financial hurdles: ART procedures can be expensive, limiting accessibility for some individuals or couples.
- Ethical and legal tangles: The use of ART raises complex ethical and legal questions surrounding embryo selection, gestational surrogacy, and the rights of all parties involved.
- Cultural and religious conflicts: Cultural and religious beliefs may clash with the use of ART, creating internal conflicts and social pressures for some individuals.
- Health risks and complications: ART procedures can carry certain health risks and complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. Additionally, some studies suggest ART may increase the risk of low birth weight.
Access to Fertility Clinics
While ART has revolutionized the field of infertility treatment, access to these services remains limited in certain regions or for individuals with lower socioeconomic status, creating disparities in reproductive healthcare.
A word from RMA
RMA Network has multiple fertility clinics nationwide, from New Jersey to Northern California. To learn more about how RMA can support you on your fertility journey, please give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to help you make your dream of parenthood a reality.
FAQ
Is assisted reproductive technology the same as IVF?
No, ART is a broader term that includes various procedures used to treat infertility, including IVF.
The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) lists in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), and frozen embryo transfer (FET) as examples of ART techniques.
What are the risks of assisted reproductive technology procedures?
The risks of ART procedures can include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and birth defects.
What is the success rate of assisted reproductive technology?
The success rates of assisted reproductive technology vary depending on various factors, such as the age of the patient, the specific procedure being used, and the underlying cause of infertility. However, according to the CDC, 82% of clinical pregnancies from ART cycles started in 2020 resulted in a live birth delivery.
