( 07 SEP 2020 )

Undeniably, giving birth to a small, little life is a dream that every couple has. However, some couples have to pay a hefty price and wait years before they can turn this dream into a reality. 'Infertility' is one such word that talks about the grave situation of a majority of couples out there.

But don't worry! Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is something that can help tremendously. Sometimes, the procedures of ART comprise using the donor eggs, frozen embryos and donor sperms.

Moreover, there is a variety of ART procedures in the medical world as well. Thus, if one doesn't work, you always have another option. In this post, let's find out more about such options and get to know their details.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
Over the past few decades, the rise of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can easily be measured. It is one of the most successful ART technologies that assure a success rate of up to 25% for every cycle. During this procedure, eggs are retrieved from a woman and fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory.

For several days, fertilized eggs are kept in a petri dish to make an embryo. And then, it gets implanted in the uterus of a woman. Additionally, doctors may prescribe a fertility drug to make sure that the female is ovulating at the perfect time.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
This procedure is used to fertilize eggs inside the uterus of a woman. In comparison to IVF, this one is inexpensive and more affordable; however, it comes with a lower rate of success. IUI offers best results for such women who are trying to conceive without a partner, has unexplained infertility, or if there are any issues with the sperms.

IUI can be done just within one procedure wherein the sperm is implanted in the uterus. Women may also choose to consume fertility drugs before undergoing this process to increase eggs that they would produce. In a way, fertility drugs also enhance the success rate with IUI.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
Another essential ART procedure is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. ICSI helps to remove the egg(s) from a woman and inject with one healthy sperm. When the egg usually gets developed, it gets transferred to the woman's body.

This procedure provides perfect results when there are severe issues with sperms. For instance, couples dealing with low sperm motility or few quality sperms may opt for this option.

Intrafallopian Transfer:
An intrafallopian transfer is a process that fertilizes eggs inside the fallopian tube of a woman. Those who are dealing with unexplained infertility, fallopian tube issues or sperm mobility problems can go for this option.

There are two different types in this option, such as Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) and the Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIT). While the former one transfers sperm and eggs into the fallopian tube, the latter one fertilizes the eggs in a lab and then transfers the embryo in the fallopian tube.

Surrogacy:
Surrogacy doesn't include undergoing a complete procedure. On the contrary, it's one of the easiest and safest options to go for. In this process, there is a woman, known as the surrogate, who carries a child for another couple or person.

The woman bears the child for an entire 9-months period and then hand it over to the couple in exchange for a specific amount.

Wrapping Up:
It's not easy to deal with infertility, especially when the society is ready with never-ending questions and expectations of having a child after getting married. So, if you are dealing with any pregnancy issue, it's safe and better to go with an assisted reproductive technology. Get to know about these options mentioned above and choose the right one for you.