Assisted reproductive technology?
What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) aims to help women that want to become pregnant who may have had some difficulties in doing so through sexual intercourse alone. Some of these techniques include artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are a variety of treatments but it depends on the individual circumstances of the patient.
What causes fertility problems?
Both a man and a woman's fertility gradually decline as they grow older.
In men, fertility issues may occur because of low numbers or low quality of sperm.
A woman may have fertility problems because her ovaries do not produce enough eggs regularly or because the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked so the sperm cannot reach her eggs.
There is such a term as unexplained infertility because, in some people, no reason can be found for their infertility.
What are the options for assisted reproductive technology?
The different ART methods available include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) - this is a type of artificial insemination where the sperm is inserted into the womb. It is usually required as a method if a couple finds it difficult to have sexual intercourse because of a disability or if they are in a same-sex relationship.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF) - one of the main methods used to help people conceive, where the ovaries are stimulated, the eggs are fertilised outside of the woman's body and one or two embryos are placed inside the womb.
- IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) - in some men their sperm is incapable of fertilising eggs in the normal way, and with this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
- Sperm donor insemination or egg donation - this involves using sperm donated from another man or an egg from another woman.
These methods are regulated by law and their use is controlled by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authorisation (HFEA).
What should I do if I am concerned about my fertility?
If you are concerned about your fertility you should first visit your GP to discuss your lifestyle and medical history. Your doctor will ask how long you have been trying to get pregnant and will ask about your sexual history.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for over one year with your partner, both will be offered tests. Depending on your results, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist.


Conception by ART (assisted reproductive technology)
By Professor Rami Wakim
2022-06-25
Couples wishing to have children but experiencing difficulties conceiving often turn to ART to help them on their journey to parenthood. Esteemed fertility specialist Professor Rami Wakim explains what exactly assisted reproductive technology or techniques (ART) is. The London-based consultant discusses the main techniques, the origins of ART, and what a couple should be aware of before treatment. See more


What are the different kinds of assisted reproduction?
By Dr Talha Shawaf
2022-06-13
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to the different techniques available to treat infertility in men or women. Here, leading consultant gynaecologist and fertility care expert, Dr Talha Shawaf explains the different techniques. See more
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Mr Adrian Lower
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Fibroids
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Professor Yacoub Khalaf
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Fibroids
- Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
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Dr Benjamin Abramov
Fertility specialistExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Fertility test
- Egg freezing
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Egg donation
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Mr Paul Serhal
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Egg freezing
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Mr Michael Booker
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
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Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT
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Oak Tree Clinic
Oak Tree Clinic
2A, Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RS
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Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, SE1 South Bank LondonExpert in:
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Oak Tree Clinic
2A, Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RS, CardiffExpert in:
- Ultrasound
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- Fertility
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