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Assisted Reproductive Technology
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Male Reproductive System

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) encompasses fertility treatments that involve the handling of both eggs and sperm to treat infertility.

Overview

ART works by removing eggs from the ovaries, mixing them with sperm to create embryos, and then placing the embryos back into the parent's body. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and effective type of ART.

Procedures and Methods

ART procedures may utilize donor eggs, donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos. Additionally, these treatments may involve the use of a surrogate or a gestational carrier:

  • Surrogate: Becomes pregnant using sperm from one partner of the couple.
  • Gestational carrier: Becomes pregnant using an egg from one partner and sperm from the other partner.

Complications

The most common complication associated with ART is a multiple pregnancy. This risk can be prevented or minimized by limiting the number of embryos transferred into the parent's body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and reducing caffeine intake can all improve egg quality and implantation rates. Regular moderate exercise, stress‑reduction techniques (yoga, meditation), and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega‑3 fatty acids, and folic acid are also recommended. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins (like certain pesticides or heavy metals) can support reproductive health during IVF.===
The optimal number depends on the patient’s age, embryo quality, and overall health. For women under 35 with good-quality embryos, transferring one or two embryos is common and keeps the multiple‑pregnancy risk low. For older patients or those with fewer high‑quality embryos, doctors may recommend transferring two embryos to improve pregnancy rates, but they will also discuss the increased chance of twins or higher‑order multiples and the potential need for selective reduction if a multiple pregnancy occurs.
gestational carrier carries a pregnancy using an embryo created from the intended parents’ eggs and sperm (or donor material), so she has no genetic link to the baby. A surrogate, in contrast, carries a pregnancy using her own eggs fertilized with the intended partner’s sperm, making her the genetic mother. Legally, both arrangements require a detailed written agreement that covers medical responsibilities, financial arrangements, parental rights, and post‑birth custody. In many jurisdictions, a court order is needed to establish legal parenthood for gestational carriers, while surrogates may need to relinquish parental rights before birth.
Using donor eggs typically increases the chance of pregnancy and live birth, especially for women over 40 or those with poor ovarian reserve, because donor eggs are usually from younger, healthier ovaries. However, it also means the resulting child will not share the patient’s genetic material, which may be a consideration for some. Using one’s own eggs preserves genetic continuity but may require more stimulation cycles, higher doses of medication, or additional procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if fertilization rates are low.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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