Knowra Assisted reproductive technology Assisted reproductive technology Assisted reproductive technology comprises medical procedures that handle eggs, sperm, or embryos to help achieve pregnancy, including in vitro fertilization and related techniques.
In vitro fertilization : A procedure in which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body and resulting embryos may be transferred to the uterus. The best-known form of assisted reproduction, involving fertilization in a laboratory.
Infertility : A disease or condition of the reproductive system defined by failure to achieve pregnancy after a specified period of regular unprotected intercourse. Infertility is the principal condition for which ART is used.
Multiple pregnancy : A pregnancy involving two or more fetuses. Transferring multiple embryos can increase the chance of twins or higher-order pregnancies.
Ovulation induction : Medication used to promote ovulation, usually without laboratory handling of eggs, sperm, or embryos. It can treat infertility without meeting the usual definition of ART.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection : A fertilization technique in which one sperm is injected directly into an egg. This IVF technique addresses some forms of male-factor infertility.
Male infertility : Reduced ability to cause pregnancy because of factors affecting sperm production, function, or delivery. Sperm-related problems can lead to IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome : A complication of ovarian stimulation in which enlarged ovaries and fluid shifts cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness. Stimulation used in some ART cycles can trigger this complication.
Fertility medication : Drugs used to influence ovulation, ovarian response, or other reproductive processes. Medication can support ART, but medication alone is not an ART procedure.
Embryo transfer : The placement of one or more embryos into the uterus or, less commonly, a fallopian tube. It is the step that allows an embryo created through IVF to attempt implantation.
Tubal factor infertility : Infertility caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes that impede fertilization or embryo transport. IVF can bypass the fallopian tubes.
Show all 23