Infertility is a disease that affects many couples and individuals.Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have evolved to offer solutions to these problems, allowing more people to conceive. Below we explain the main techniques, their objectives, risks, and how to choose the best option.
What assisted reproductive technology consists of
Assisted reproductive technologies refer to a series of treatments that involve the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos with the goal of achieving a pregnancy. These technologies include methods such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and surrogacy.
Fun fact:
The first baby born through in vitro fertilization was Louise Brown in 1978.
Assisted reproductive techniques
Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have revolutionized the way we approach infertility, offering advanced alternatives for individuals or couples who cannot conceive naturally. These techniques include a series of medical procedures that involve the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Artificial insemination (AI)
This is a procedure in which sperm is introduced directly into the woman's uterus. It is ideal when the man has mild fertility problems or the woman has a mild blockage in the fallopian tubes.
Is it right for you?
- Age under 35
- Good reproductive health
- Regular ovulation
- Mild male fertility problems
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization is one of the best-known and most effective procedures. It involves retrieving eggs from the woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the embryos to the uterus.
FeatureArtificial Insemination (AI)In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Level of intervention
Low
High
Success rate
10-15%
40-50%
Costs
Moderate
High
Use of hormone stimulation
Occasional
Frequent
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
This technique is used together with IVF to analyze embryos before they are implanted. It allows for the detection of genetic diseases and the selection of the healthiest embryos.
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Surrogacy
In this technique, a woman carries in her womb an embryo that has been created with the eggs and sperm of other individuals (biological parents or donors). The surrogate has no genetic relationship with the baby.
Surrogacy Process
- Medical and psychological evaluation of all parties involved.
- Creation of the embryo through IVF.
- Implantation of the embryo in the gestational carrier.
- Pregnancy monitoring by specialists.
- Birth and delivery of the baby to the biological parents.
Objective of assisted reproductive techniques
The main objective is to help couples or individuals conceive a child when natural methods have not worked. These treatments not only increase the chances of pregnancy, but also offer solutions for genetic or health problems in the biological parents.
Are there risks involved in assisted reproductive techniques?
Yes, as with any medical procedure, there are associated risks. Some of them are:
Possible risks:
- Multiple pregnancy (more than one baby).
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Related to IVF.
- Surgical complications during egg retrieval.
Tips to minimize risks:
Always consult with a certified specialist.
Make sure to carry out thorough monitoring throughout the entire process.
Consider the emotional and physical impact before opting for invasive techniques.
What are the requirements to access any of the assisted reproductive techniques?
General requirements:
- Medical evaluation: A diagnosis of infertility that justifies the treatment.
- Age: The effectiveness of the techniques decreases in women over 40 years of age.
- Health conditions: Good overall health is required.
Many ART treatments are applied when other more conventional methods (such as medications or surgeries) have not produced results. It is essential to have an accurate diagnosis before turning to these advanced methods.
How to choose the right assisted reproductive technique?
The most important thing in these types of procedures is to have certified professional support to guide you throughout the entire process, but it is also advisable to take certain factors into account.
Factors to consider:
- Age: The older the mother, the more effective IVF will be.
- Cause of infertility: IVF is usually the most effective technique for complex problems.
- Costs: Keep in mind that some treatments, such as IVF and surrogacy, are costly and may require several attempts.
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Other assisted reproduction options
In addition to conventional assisted reproduction techniques, there are other alternatives that offer solutions for more complex or specific cases of infertility. These options, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), egg or sperm donation, and gestational carrier, give many people the opportunity to become parents when other techniques are not viable.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
It is a technique complementary to IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This procedure is used primarily in cases of severe male infertility.
Egg or sperm donation
When one or both members of the couple cannot provide their own gametes, donation is used. Donors are carefully selected to ensure health and genetic compatibility.
Gestational carrier
It is a form of surrogacy in which the woman who carries the pregnancy has no genetic link to the baby, as the eggs and sperm come from the biological parents or from donors.
Timeline of an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle
- Ovarian stimulation: Hormonal medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries.
- Egg retrieval: A surgical procedure is performed to obtain the mature eggs.
- Laboratory fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm.
- Embryo culture: The embryos develop in the laboratory for a few days.
- Embryo transfer: The best embryos are selected to be transferred to the uterus.
- Pregnancy test: Approximately two weeks after the transfer.
