Article
Article
Assisted reproductive technology
Article By:
Baker, Doris J. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia.
Last reviewed:January 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.055970
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- Reproductive technology, published June 2014:Download PDF
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Any treatment or procedure that includes the in-vitro handling of oocytes (immature ova or egg cells) and sperm or embryos for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is undertaken as a treatment of infertility, with a goal of achieving human reproduction. ART procedures include (but are not limited to) in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) [Fig. 1], gamete intrafallopian transfer, gamete and embryo cryopreservation (freezing, or vitrification, and storage of cells or tissues), oocyte and embryo donation, and surrogacy. Note that intracervical or intrauterine insemination with either partner or donor spermatozoa is not included under the umbrella of ART. See also: Animal reproduction; Biotechnology; Fertilization (animal); Infertility; Ovum; Pregnancy; Sperm cell
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