Indications and outcomes of assisted reproduction.

Since 1978 many healthy children have been born after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, fulfilling the wishes of many previously childless couples. In vitro fertilization and subsequently developed methods (GIFT, intratubal embryo transfer) have contributed to progress in the diagnosis and treatment of unwanted childlessness. Furthermore these techniques have improved knowledge of ovarian function, fertilization and early embryo development.