Assisted reproductive technology: the state of the ART

At least one in ten couples of reproductive age is affected by infertility. Tubal disease, ovulatory defects, endometrosis and abnormal sperm physiology are the most common causes of failure to conceive. Many of these disorders can be treated successfully with surgery, ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination, but in selected cases, or where there is long-standing intractable infertility, assisted reproductive technology (ART) becomes the treatment of choice. We provide an overview of the techniques for assisted reproduction, including in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer and other related procedures. Indications for treatment, patient evaluation and advances in reproductive technology including embryo cryopreservation, micromanipulation and donor gametes are also reviewed.