Can ART Help You Get Pregnant?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has expanded the range of fertility treatment options available to individuals and couples. With the right approach, challenges involving egg quality, sperm quality, ovulation issues, blocked fallopian tubes, and even unexplained infertility can be successfully overcome. Treatment recommendations depend on age, medical history, fertility testing, and previous treatment outcomes. Understanding available options can help prospective parents make an informed decision about fertility treatment.

How IVF works

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is typically considered the gold standard of ART fertility treatment. During IVF, the patient is given medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle. A trigger shot initiates final maturation of the eggs, and the egg retrieval is scheduled approximately 36 hours later. Eggs are then combined with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. Embryos grow under the watchful eye of the embryologist for a few days before being transferred into the uterus or frozen for future use. IVF is often recommended for women with blocked fallopian tubes, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), or endometriosis. Couples with significant male-factor infertility can also benefit from the use of IVF to achieve a pregnancy.

Will ICSI help?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an IVF technique that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. The approach allows embryologists to bypass barriers that can prevent sperm from naturally fertilizing an egg. ICSI may be particularly useful in cases of male-factor infertility when sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology pose challenges for fertilization. If previous IVF cycles have been unsuccessful, ICSI may be the missing piece.

Help hatch the embryo

Assisted hatching (AH) is a laboratory technique sometimes used during IVF to help an embryo emerge from the protective outer layer called the zona pellucida. During AH, a small opening is created in the outer shell of the embryo with an infrared laser. This procedure is performed in a lab right before transfer and helps improve the chances of successful implantation. Assisted hatching may be considered for certain patients, including individuals with previous unsuccessful IVF cycles or couples who have embryos with a thicker zona pellucida.

The power of genetic testing

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows embryos created through IVF to undergo genetic evaluation before transfer. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) evaluates chromosome number, while preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) evaluates specific inherited conditions. PGT cannot guarantee successful implantation, but this early test allows for selection of the healthiest embryos, helping to decrease miscarriage risk.

What other options exist?

Egg freezing is an important option for younger women who want to preserve reproductive potential for future family building efforts. Eggs retrieved at a younger age may be used later, reducing the impact of age-related declines in egg quantity and quality. Donor eggs or sperm can provide another option for patients who cannot achieve pregnancy using personal eggs or sperm. Gestational carriers may also be considered when the intended mother is incapable of carrying the pregnancy. With a growing range of fertility treatments available, many pathways are available to help individuals and couples start or expand a family.

Choosing the right treatment

Modern ART offers a growing range of sophisticated treatment options. Fertility specialists should consider the patient’s medical history, reproductive goals, age, and previous treatment history when developing a plan. Some couples may benefit from standard IVF, while others may require additional laboratory techniques such as ICSI, AH, or PGT to achieve success. With the right approach and a little determination, pregnancy is possible.