Types of Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) helps couples overcome infertility challenges. However, assisted reproductive technologies do not overcome every barrier. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), women under the age of 35 have a success rate of 37.3 percent, but the success rate decreases to 11 percent for women in their 40s. Expense and time are both factors to consider when choosing assisted reproductive technologies, but they do help couples conceive who otherwise would be unable.

In Vitro Fertilization

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, in vitro fertilization is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology used. Doctors harvest eggs from the woman by treating her with an ovulation drug, which increases production of eggs by the ovaries. The eggs are removed and place into a petri dish where they are exposed to sperm for fertilization for three to five days. Next, the embryos are implanted into the woman's uterus. If viable, these embryos will develop into fetuses. Multiple births are possible with in vitro fertilization, as many embryos are implanted.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer

Zygote intrafallopian transfer works like in vitro fertilization; however, the embryos are transferred to the woman's fallopian tubes instead of her uterus. The embryo then travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer

A less popular option, gamete intrafallopian transfer does not have fertilization outside the woman's body. Instead, the eggs and sperm are transferred to the fallopian tube, and fertilization takes place there. If the eggs are fertilized, then the embryo moves to the uterus for implantation. However, very few fertilization clinics offer this option.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an assisted reproductive technology option if the sperm's viability is the issue. A single sperm, instead of being exposed to multiple sperm, is injected into the egg. Once fertilization has taken place, the embryo is transferred to either the uterus or the fallopian tube.