Which reproductive technology is commonly used to assist couples facing infertility?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a commonly used reproductive technology that helps couples facing infertility by enabling fertilization of an egg by sperm outside of the body. This process involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a laboratory with sperm, and then transferring one or more of the resulting embryos into the uterus with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.

IVF is especially beneficial for couples with various fertility issues, including blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility. It allows for greater control over the timing of pregnancy and can also involve genetic testing of embryos to select the healthiest ones for transfer.

While other options, such as artificial insemination, surrogacy, and egg donation, are also important reproductive technologies, IVF is particularly significant for its role in directly addressing a range of infertility issues by allowing for the direct manipulation and combination of gametes (eggs and sperm) in a controlled environment.