Assisted reproductive technology


This is the umbrella term for a variety of medical procedures used to bring eggs and sperm together without sexual intercourse. The objective of ART is to create an embryo by bypassing the factor(s) causing the fertility problem. Typically, ART will use therapies such as Gonal–f® (follitropin alfa for injection) for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) as part of the protocol. These medications either supplement or replace a woman's natural supply of hormones to stimulate development of multiple follicles and to control the timing of the reproductive cycle. A woman's eggs and a man's sperm are then collected and brought together to create an embryo in a laboratory.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the most common ART procedure, is used to overcome a variety of fertility difficulties, particularly tubal problems and sperm deficiencies. During IVF, medications are often used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman's eggs. The eggs and sperm are then collected and placed together in a laboratory dish to fertilize. If the eggs are successfully fertilized, the embryos are then transferred into a woman's uterus or fallopian tubes. Hopefully one of the fertilized eggs will implant and develop just as in unassisted conception. (Source: www.fertilitylifelines.com) 

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