What Is ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)?

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), according to the CDC definition, includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. In general, ART procedures involve surgically removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, combining them with sperm in the laboratory, and returning them to the woman’s body or donating them to another woman. They do NOT include treatments in which only sperm are handled (i.e., intrauterine—or artificial—insemination) or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production without the intention of having eggs retrieved.

What Is The Indication?

ART is indicated when couples have been consistently infertile, despite various methods having been used to try to conceive.

Am I A Candidate?

You may be a candidate for ART for several reasons, including but not limited to the following:

• the male has a low sperm count or abnormal sperm morphology
• the male has a treatable condition causing the infertility, but treatment is unsuccessful.
• the woman's fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, making it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus
• the ovaries are not producing eggs normally; ovarian dysfunctions may be due to polycystic ovary disease, surgical causes, advanced age, etc.
• endometriosis, or other disorders of uterine function or structure, are present
• other conditions, such as immunological or chromosomal abnormalities, exist.

What Does ART Involve?

There are several procedures which comprise ART:

With In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), eggs are removed from the ovary via a vaginal ultrasound procedure, then inseminated with the partner's sperm in the laboratory. Once the embryos develop, they are put back into the woman's uterus through a catheter.

In Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT), the eggs are removed, immediately mixed with the partner's sperm and placed into the fallopian tube laparoscopically. Of course, this procedure only works where the woman has no tubal defects and has demonstrated previous fertility.

In Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), the sperm is injected directly into the woman's egg in the laboratory. This is the preferred method if there is male factor infertility due to low sperm count (oligospermia), impaired sperm motility, or a failure of the sperm to produce fertilization.

What Are The Advantages Of ART?

For couples who have tried in vain to conceive a child, ART offers the real possibility they may be able to experience the joy of having a baby of their own.

How Long Does It Take?

For IVF, there is a multi-step procedure. First the patient is given drugs to enhance ovulation, which may take months. Then, in a simple procedure, eggs are harvested; this takes a couple of hours. Insemination takes place in the laboratory (hence the term “in vitro”), and takes about 4 days to create an implantable embryo. Embryonic transfer is a simple, outpatient procedure that takes minutes and is done without anesthesia. Then, if all goes well, it takes 9 months!

For the other procedures, the preliminary steps are the same, with egg production stimulated, and then eggs being harvested. In GIFT, there is an immediate transfer back to the fallopian tubes after the harvest.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

This varies on a case-by-case basis. Ideally, doctors hope for a successful result the first time, and so does the patient, but nothing is guaranteed.

When Will I See Results?

You will be able to see results over the next few weeks and months ultrasonically, with the baby hopefully carried to full term.

What Are My Alternatives?

• Continue trying to conceive using same methods
• Continue trying to conceive, but add a fertility-enhancing drug to stimulate egg production
• Surrogacy
• Adoption

Will I Have Pain?

Pain should be minimal to nonexistent, as the procedures involved are minimally invasive and anesthesia is used where indicated.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

For the male partner, right away. The female should be encouraged to rest until such time as it can be assured that the embryo is growing steadily and with no complications.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

A physician experienced in the field of infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Insurance should cover the procedure subject to individual policy limitations on payments for routine diagnostic procedures.