Complications of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Although only accounting for a small percentage of infants born in the United States each year, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has become a more common means of conception since the first in vitro fertilization baby was born in 1978. An understanding of the ART process, medications, and complications is becoming essential for emergency medicine practice. Much of the surveillance data focuses on ART complications that are likely to be less relevant in the acute care setting, but ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian torsion are 3 diagnoses with high potential morbidity and mortality that emergency physicians should not miss.