What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) aims to help women that want to become pregnant who may have had some difficulties in doing so through sexual intercourse alone. Some of these techniques include artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). There are a variety of treatments, but it depends on the individual circumstances of the patient.
What causes fertility problems?
Both a man and a woman's fertility gradually decline as they grow older.
In men, fertility issues may occur because of low numbers or low quality of sperm.
A woman may have fertility problems because her ovaries do not produce enough eggs regularly or because the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked so the sperm cannot reach her eggs.
There is such a term as unexplained infertility because, in some people, no reason can be found for their infertility.
What are the options for assisted reproductive technology?
The different ART methods available include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This is a type of artificial insemination where the sperm is inserted into the womb. It is usually required as a method if a couple finds it difficult to have sexual intercourse because of a disability or if they are in a same-sex relationship.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF): One of the main methods used to help people conceive, where the ovaries are stimulated, the eggs are fertilised outside of the woman's body, and one or two embryos are placed inside the womb.
- IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In some men, their sperm is incapable of fertilising eggs in the normal way, and with this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
- Sperm donor insemination or egg donation: This involves using sperm donated from another man or using an egg from another woman.
These methods are regulated by law and their use is controlled by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authorisation (HFEA).
What should I do if I am concerned about my fertility?
If you are concerned about your fertility, you should first visit your GP to discuss your lifestyle and medical history. Your doctor will ask how long you have been trying to get pregnant and will ask about your sexual history.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for over one year with your partner, both will be offered tests. Depending on your results, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist.
11-13-2012 08-16-2023
Assisted reproductive technology
Professor Nazar Amso - Obstetrics & gynaecology
Created on: 11-13-2012
Updated on: 08-16-2023
Edited by: Carlota Pano
What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) aims to help women that want to become pregnant who may have had some difficulties in doing so through sexual intercourse alone. Some of these techniques include artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). There are a variety of treatments, but it depends on the individual circumstances of the patient.
What causes fertility problems?
Both a man and a woman's fertility gradually decline as they grow older.
In men, fertility issues may occur because of low numbers or low quality of sperm.
A woman may have fertility problems because her ovaries do not produce enough eggs regularly or because the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked so the sperm cannot reach her eggs.
There is such a term as unexplained infertility because, in some people, no reason can be found for their infertility.
What are the options for assisted reproductive technology?
The different ART methods available include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This is a type of artificial insemination where the sperm is inserted into the womb. It is usually required as a method if a couple finds it difficult to have sexual intercourse because of a disability or if they are in a same-sex relationship.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF): One of the main methods used to help people conceive, where the ovaries are stimulated, the eggs are fertilised outside of the woman's body, and one or two embryos are placed inside the womb.
- IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): In some men, their sperm is incapable of fertilising eggs in the normal way, and with this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
- Sperm donor insemination or egg donation: This involves using sperm donated from another man or using an egg from another woman.
These methods are regulated by law and their use is controlled by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authorisation (HFEA).
What should I do if I am concerned about my fertility?
If you are concerned about your fertility, you should first visit your GP to discuss your lifestyle and medical history. Your doctor will ask how long you have been trying to get pregnant and will ask about your sexual history.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for over one year with your partner, both will be offered tests. Depending on your results, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist.
Assisted reproductive technology: Pathways to parenthood
By Mr Cesar Diaz-Garcia
2024-12-08
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) encompasses a range of medical procedures designed to aid individuals and couples in achieving pregnancy. For many facing challenges with natural conception, ART provides hope and effective solutions. See more
What are the different kinds of assisted reproduction?
By Dr Talha Shawaf
2024-12-01
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to the different techniques available to treat infertility in men or women. Here, leading consultant gynaecologist and fertility care expert, Dr Talha Shawaf explains the different techniques. See more
Experts in Assisted reproductive technology
-
Mr Adrian Lower
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Fibroids
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
-
Professor Yacoub Khalaf
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
-
Dr Benjamin Abramov
Fertility specialistExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Fertility test
- Egg freezing
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Egg donation
-
Dr Mausumi Das
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fertility treatments
- Fertility Preservation
- Egg freezing
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
-
Mr Andrew Pickersgill
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Vaginal prolapse
- Menopause
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic pain
- Fibroids
- See all
London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
27 Tooley St
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
TFP Belfast Fertility
TFP Belfast Fertility
Edgewater House, Edgewater Road, BT3 9JQ
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
TFP Boston Place Fertility
TFP Boston Place Fertility
20 Boston Place, NW1 6ER
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
27 Tooley St, Central LondonExpert in:
- 24-hour service
- Cardiology
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastroenterology
-
TFP Belfast Fertility
Edgewater House, Edgewater Road, BT3 9JQ, BelfastExpert in:
- Sperm retrieval
- Egg and embryo freezing
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Ultrasound
- Genetic testing
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
-
TFP Boston Place Fertility
20 Boston Place, NW1 6ER, Central LondonExpert in:
- Sperm retrieval
- Egg and embryo freezing
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Ultrasound
- Genetic testing
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- PGT-A
- Complex endometriosis
- Tubal factor infertility
- Fertility preservation
- Female infertility
- Ovulatory disorders
- Surrogacy
- PGT-M
- Peripheral nerve block
- Menopause support