For many couples, the journey to parenthood is one of the most important challenges of their lives. While some are able to conceive naturally, others need the help of modern medicine.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) offer hope in cases where pregnancy might not otherwise be possible.
Each couple or individual has unique needs and circumstances, so it’s essential to understand the available options and find the most suitable approach.
The Main Types of Assisted Reproductive Methods
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
One of the simplest and least invasive methods.
During IUI, sperm is inserted directly into the woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation.
Best suited for:
- couples with mild male factor infertility (such as low sperm motility),
- women with minor ovulation disorders,
- couples with unexplained infertility.
Pros:
- quicker and less expensive than IVF,
- minimal medical intervention.
Cons:
- lower success rate ( ~ 10–20% per cycle),
- requires at least one open fallopian tube and good sperm quality.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The most well-known and widely used ART method.
Eggs are retrieved from the woman and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.
Best suited for:
- women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes,
- couples with significantly reduced sperm quality,
- when other methods, such as IUI, have failed.
Pros:
- higher success rates (30–50%, depending on the woman’s age),
- allows for genetic testing of embryos (PGT),
- extra embryos can be frozen for future use.
Cons:
- involves hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval,
- higher financial costs,
- physically and emotionally demanding.
- ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
A specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
This is particularly beneficial when sperm count or quality is extremely low.
Pros:
- enables fertilization even with severe male infertility,
- very high fertilization rates.
Cons:
- requires advanced lab technology and highly skilled specialists,
- more expensive than standard IVF.
- Donor Eggs, Sperm, or Embryos
If a couple cannot use their own reproductive cells, then donor eggs, sperm, or embryos may be used.
This is common in cases where a woman has premature ovarian failure or a man has severely compromised sperm quality.
Pros:
- makes parenthood possible even in very challenging cases,
- donor cells are usually of excellent quality.
Cons:
- emotionally challenging decision,
- legal restrictions vary by country.
- Fertility Preservation – Egg and Sperm Freezing
For women who wish to postpone motherhood, egg freezing (social freezing) is a valuable option.
The best time for egg freezing is before the age of 35, when egg quality is highest.
Sperm can also be frozen — for example, before undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery that could impact fertility.
How to Choose the Right Method
Selecting the most suitable method depends on several factors:
- Age of the woman – egg quality and quantity decline significantly with age.
- Medical diagnostics of both partners – hormone levels, sperm quality, uterine and fallopian tube health.
- Medical history – previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or genetic risks.
- Time and financial resources – some methods require greater time and investment.
- Emotional readiness – ART can be psychologically challenging, so emotional support is important.
The best starting point is a comprehensive fertility assessment at a specialized clinic. Based on the results, a qualified medical team can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
The Importance of International Collaboration
Many couples today choose fertility treatments abroad, seeking higher success rates, specific techniques, or further legal options, such as anonymous donors.
In these cases, safe transportation of biological material — eggs, sperm, or embryos — between clinics and countries is critical.
Proper logistics ensure that these delicate materials are handled under strict conditions, maintaining their quality and safety.