Why assisted reproductive technology is needed ?

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is needed for various reasons, primarily to help couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

Here are some of the main reasons why ART is used:

• Infertility: When a couple has difficulty conceiving after a year or more of trying, ART can provide solutions.

• Age-Related Infertility: As women age, their fertility decreases. ART can help couples who are facing age-related infertility challenges.

• Male Infertility: If the male partner has low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or other fertility issues, ART can be an option.

• Tubal Blockage: If the woman has blocked fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus, ART can help.

• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus can cause infertility. ART can be helpful in such cases.

• Genetic Disorders: If both partners are carriers of genetic disorders, ART techniques like preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can help select embryos without the disorder.

• Same-Sex Couples: ART allows same-sex couples to have biological children.

Common ART Procedures:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This involves fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory and then transferring the embryos into the uterus.

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): This technique is used when the sperm count is low or the sperm quality is poor. A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

• Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): Eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.

• Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): Fertilized eggs (zygotes) are placed directly into the fallopian tubes.

It's important to note that ART is not a guaranteed solution and success rates vary depending on individual factors. Consulting with a fertility specialist is crucial to determine the best approach for each couple's situation.