Infertility: Assisted Reproductive Technology

Definition Of Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse six months for women over 35, or the inability to carry pregnancy to term.

Definition Of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted Reproductive Technology is a specific form of medical intervention used against infertility. This set of medical procedures helps people with infertility problems reproduce through more advanced and complex techniques like in vitro fertilization, zygote intrafallopian transfer, and gamete intrafallopian transfer.

Factors That Cause Infertility

Infertility can be caused by factors in both men and women and sometimes in both partners.

Male Factors

• Defective spermatogenesis: Low count, poor motility, abnormal morphology

• Genetic and hormonal imbalances

• Blockages and ejaculatory problems

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, drug use, obesity

Female Factors

• Ovulation disorders: PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian insufficiency

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage: Infections, surgery

• Endometriosis: Tissue growth outside the uterus

• Uterine or cervical issues: Polyps, fibroids, structural abnormalities

• Age-related factors

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress

Combined Factors

• The cause of infertility may be the contributing issue from both partners.

Unexplained Infertility

• Those cases where no clear cause is identified despite proper evaluation.

Diagnostic Methods

Various diagnostic tests help ascertain the causes of infertility in males and females.

Male Infertility Tests

• Semen analysis

• Hormonal testing

• Genetic testing

• Testicular biopsy

Female Infertility Tests

• Ovulation testing

• Hysterosalpingography – HSG

• Ovarian reserve testing

• Hormonal testing

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, laparoscopy

Types Of Assisted Reproductive Technologies -ART

• ART consists of medical procedures that increase the chances of becoming pregnant.

• Used when natural conception is not possible due to various infertility issues.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a common ART method where eggs are fertilized outside the body.

Procedure Of IVF

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval

• Sperm collection and fertilization in the lab

• Embryo culture and transfer

Success Rates And Factors Affecting Success

• Age, health conditions, quality of sperm/eggs

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Benefits: Higher success rates, used in various infertility issues

• Downsides: Cost, emotional and physical demands, multiple pregnancies

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

ZIFT is a cross between IVF and natural conception in that it places a zygote in the fallopian tube.

Procedure Of ZIFT

• The first steps similar to IVF

• Transfer of zygote into the fallopian tube

Success Rates And Factors Affecting Success

• Generally lower than IVF

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: Natural implantation process

• Disadvantages: Surgical procedure, lower success rates

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

GIFT is placing the eggs and sperm directly into the fallopian tube.

Procedure Of GIFT

• Collection of eggs and sperm

• Direct insemination into the fallopian tube

Success Rates And Factors Affecting Success

• About the same as the success rates of natural conception

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Pros: More natural conception

• Cons: Needs patent Fallopian tubes, surgical risks

Table: IVF vs. ZIFT vs. GIFT

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