 Infertility is described as the inability to conceive a baby within one year of trying. There are many possible treatments for infertility including fertility medications, surgery, and assisted reproductive technology (ART). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ART is defined as fertility treatments that must handle both the woman's eggs and the man's sperm. In addition, ART does not stimulate egg production without the intention of removing eggs from the ovaries. ART is actually a variety of treatments designed to help couples conceive and includes IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, TET, ICSI, and assisted hatching. The doctor chooses the treatment based on the specific needs of the couple. ART is often used after other treatments have failed because it requires a highly educated, specialized medical team in addition to expensive equipment. Complications of ART include the following: Birth defects - Children conceived using ART procedures have a 7% rate of severe genetic defects in contrast to 4% for children conceived naturally. Low birth weight - Low birth weight is common for both single and multiple birth children conceived using ART treatments. Multiple births - Fertility drugs may increase a woman's chance of giving birth to twins, triplets, or other multiples. Women who are pregnant with multiple fetuses have an increased risk of problems during their pregnancy. The fetuses have a higher risk of premature birth, which may cause health and developmental problems. Due to these issues, some couples decide to have one or more of the fetuses removed to improve the survival rate of the remaining fetuses. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - The ovaries may become over stimulated during treatment. If this occurs, the ovaries may enlarge, and cause pain and bloating. These symptoms often improve without treatment. In some cases, however, fluid accumulation in the abdominal and chest cavities may cause breathing problems and low blood pressure, requiring emergency treatment. Surgery complications - Occasionally ART treatments may cause bleeding or infection. Third party reproduction issues - Ethical and legal issues may occur when third party reproduction is used. These problems are more likely to develop if the pregnancy results in serious disabilities, miscarriage, or multiple births. Despite signing legal contracts, the couple or the surrogate mother sometimes also change their minds. Sources:
ART Patients, "General Information." http://www.sart.org/. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Last accessed 2/13/2007.
Diseases and Conditions, "Infertility." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 2/13/2007.
Medline Plus Encyclopedia. Medline, 2007.Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 26, 1006, "Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance --- United States, 2003." http://www.cdc.gov.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last accessed 2/13/2007.
Women's Health Issues, "Infertility." http://www.merck.com/mmhe. The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition, online version. Last accessed 2/13/2007.
This answer prepared 2/13/2007.
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