The path to parenthood is not easy for a number of couples. Infertility battles may be emotionally stressful, physically exhausting, and mentally overbearing. However, with the breakthroughs in medical science, there is hope, as now the hope is in the Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART).
At Ganga Laxmi IVF, we understand that this is a sensitive and often overwhelming process. That is why we think it is necessary to not only treat it, but also learn all about it. This blog will take you through the various types of ART, how they work and what you can expect so that you can make competent choices in your journey to being a parent.
What Is ART(Assisted Reproductive Techniques)?
Assisted Reproductive Technology is a cohort of medical practices that aim at enabling people or couples to get pregnant after the natural methods have failed. ART typically relates to treatment involving manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos, which are ex-utero (outside the human body) and manipulated under intensive, controlled laboratory conditions that are later inserted into the uterus.
These techniques give renewed hope to any infertile couple due to any cause, whether due to hormonal problems, blocked up fallopian tubes, male infertility, or inexplicable reasons.
Types of Assisted Reproductive Techniques
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI tends to be a starting point for ART. In this process, swimmable sperm are harvested, cleaned and deposited straight in the uterus of the woman when she is ovulating. This eliminates the need for sperm to navigate through the cervix and enhances the chances of fertilisation.
IUI is normally applied in situations of mild male-specific infertility, cervical mucus dysfunction, or in situations where the causative factor of infertility cannot be clearly detected.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
The most commonly known ART method is IVF. During this, eggs are extracted from the ovaries and brought into contact with sperm in an incubation dish. When the embryo is in existence, it is then implanted in the uterus.
An IVF may be advised when other methods have been unsuccessful or in cases where infertility is an effect of such problems as blocked fallopian tubes, intense male factor infertility and endometriosis.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is even more advanced than IVF, mainly when applied to male infertility cases. A single sperm cell is manually inserted into an egg through a small needle in this technique. This enables even one normal sperm to fertilise an egg.
ICSI has demonstrated superior success rates and is frequently applied in situations where the sperm count or their mobility is very poor.
Donor Egg or Donor Sperm
On other occasions, in case the quality of eggs of the woman is poor or in case there is no viable sperm from the male partner, options of donors are explored. In the IVF process, a healthy donor provides either eggs or sperm to help the couple conceive.
The method provides couples with an opportunity to have children and pregnancy regardless of whether the genetic material of one partner is not used.
FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
FET is where frozen embryos left over from an earlier IVF treatment are thawed and placed in the womb. Couples can operate on leftover embryos or bank embryos at the right timing of pregnancy without going through another reproductive cycle.
The fact that FET is convenient, economical and has similar success rates is causing FET to become more popular.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy involves a third female party (the surrogate), to whom the pregnancy is carried on behalf of a couple. The embryo can be produced out of the egg and sperm of a couple or with the assistance of a donor. This is usually resorted to when the woman is not in a position to carry a pregnancy medically or anatomically.
In India, surrogacy is a legal and ethical procedure as long as it is carried out within the correct consents and directions.
The Affective Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
Although ART is full of hope, it is accompanied by a pattern of emotional highs and lows. These options include waiting, many visits, hormonal adjustments, and, in other cases, disappointment. The emotional one may be as tangible as the physical one.
This is why it is not only the technology that matters when it comes to picking the best fertility centre, but it also involves a loving staff who assists you psychologically and emotionally throughout the treatment process.
Ganga Laxmi IVF is a facility that lays emphasis on emotional well-being in the same way that physical treatment is performed. We observe, we listen, and we are there with you throughout all the stages.
Selecting the Appropriate ART
The fertility story of every couple is unique, along with the treatment which suits them. The best ART procedure will be based on your health history, fertility test report, age, preferences and even emotional preparedness.
The thing is that you should consult a proven fertility specialist who will offer you the opportunity to get acquainted with the options, define advantages and disadvantages, and to overcome the way towards parenthood step by step.
Ganga Laxmi IVF understands the importance of individualised fertility, and so we do not offer any one-size solution. We do not give a blanket approach to a treatment plan. We simply custom-design one that addresses your experience.
When Is It Necessary to Think About ART?
Questions like, Is it time to do ART pop up in your mind, right? The following are some indications that ART could be a good next step:
- You have been attempting to get pregnant for more than a year (or 6 months in case you are over 35).
- You have had a history of fertility problems such as PCOS, low sperm count, or the tube being blocked.
- You have experienced several miscarriages.
- You wish to preserve fertility because of cancer or old age.
- You are a single parent or have same-sex partners and are looking to become parents.
In case one or more of these describe you, consider seeking the services of a fertility professional. Early mentoring is time-saving, less stressful, and it leads to high success rates.
ART is not Only Science but a Path of Hope
AR Techniques have enabled millions of people all over the world to have a life. There is a very human story, though, and that story is in the background: the dreams, the patience, the courage, and the love, and that is also behind the lab, behind the technology and behind the procedures.
We do not treat ART as an easy medical procedure at Ganga Laxmi IVF; rather, it is a process: a process that is as touchy and as emotional as any other special moment in life and the process that makes subordinates everything in the world. So you cannot take us as just your doctors, but you can take us as your partners, your listeners, your anchors in life when you need someone to talk to.
Final Thoughts
Being knowledgeable about the ART spectrum may allow you to make more educated choices about the future of your family. Choosing between IUI and IVF, ICSI and donors, every assisted reproductive technique has enabled millions of individuals to make their parenthood dream come true.
Whether it is you or a loved one, and you are entering the world of fertility treatment, rest assured that you are not alone, and there is professional guidance out there.
Here at Ganga Laxmi IVF, we are emotionally present to support you, professionally adept, and most importantly, we are there to offer hope. No life has begun without a story. Shall we start yours, too?