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.
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 fertility industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth, driven by a combination of changing societal trends and advancements in medical technology.
Some of the most common ART procedures include:
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:
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
ART is a powerful tool that can help people become parents, but it also raises several important ethical and legal questions.
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 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.
In addition to helping infertile individuals and couples achieve their dream of becoming parents, ART has other benefits, including:
Despite these remarkable benefits, ART also comes with its own set of challenges:
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.
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.
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.
The risks of ART procedures can include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and birth defects.
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.
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