The ART of assisted reproductive technology.

BACKGROUND

One in six Australian couples of reproductive age experience difficulties in conceiving a child. Once a couple has been appropriately assessed, assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques can be used to overcome problems with ovulation, tubal patency, male fertility or unexplained infertility.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the range of ART techniques available to subfertile couples.

DISCUSSION

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is now the most common form of ART used in Australia, being used in almost half of all fresh cycles, with in vitro fertilisation being used in approximately one-third of all fresh cycles.