In Vitro Fertilization

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) encompasses all procedures that manipulate the oocytes, sperm, and embryos outside of the body. Decades of research have allowed the field to emerge as a reliable and safe treatment for infertile men and women. Indications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) include tubal factor infertility, anovulation, male factor infertility, and decreased ovarian reserve. Treatment is not limited to the infertile population, as IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis also offers patients an opportunity to prevent transmission of a genetic condition for which they have been found to carry. The field of ART continues to rapidly evolve, as more knowledge is gained from studies reporting on ovarian stimulation protocols, reproductive techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and blastocyst transfer. Techniques are aimed to improve live birth rates while ensuring the optimal health of children conceived using IVF. This review contains 8 figures, 5 tables and 63 references Key Words: assisted reproductive technology, blastocyst, decreased ovarian reserve, embryo transfer, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, luteal phase support, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, vitrification