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Assisted Reproduction

Understanding Your Anatomy
Intrauterine Insemination
In Vitro Fertilization
ART with Sperm Donation
ART with Egg Donation

Gamete Intrafallopian Transer (GIFT)
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Surrogacy

Your Reproductive Anatomy

Knowing the parts of the female reproductive system and their functions will help you to understand how the different methods of assisted reproductive technologies can work to overcome various obstacles to pregnancy.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This procedure which is also known as artificial insemination is often combined with hormone treatments to boost egg production, can help couples with low sperm count, unexplained infertility, or cervical mucus problems. Semen is collected, then delivered via a catheter inserted through the women's vagina and cervix to her uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF may help those with pelvic or tubal damage, or male infertility. It is the most commonly used Assisted Reproductive Technique ( ART). The woman takes drugs to stimulate egg production, which are surgically removed. Then eggs and sperm (from her partner or a donor) are collected and combined outside the body, and inserted into her body to develop after fertilization takes place.

ART with Sperm Donation

Can help those whose infertility problems are due to low sperm count or poor sperm quality. The ART procedure is performed using sperm from a donor. To properly screen the sperm for HIV infection, all commercial sperm banks keep sperm samples frozen for six months and then retest the donors.

ART with Donated Egg

Can help those whose infertility problems are due to premature menopause or some other disruption of ovulation. The ART procedure (IVF, GIFT, or ZIFT) is performed using an egg from a known or anonymous donor.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

May help people with mild endometriosis, low sperm count, or sperm antibody problems. Similar to IVF, but the collected eggs and sperm (both are known as gametes) are placed beside each other in a woman's fallopian tube, which is where fertilization normally occurs.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Similar to GIFT, but the collected egg and sperm are first joined in the laboratory. The resulting zygotes (fertilized eggs) are then transferred to the woman's healthy fallopian tube, where one or more will travel to the uterus for implantation and development.

Intercytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Each collected egg is injected, by hand, with one collected sperm, prior to insertion in the woman's body. This technique is used in ART procedures when patients have encountered difficulties with fertilization.

Surrogacy, Traditional and Gestational

In traditional surrogacy, another woman carries and gives birth to a baby conceived with her egg and your partner's sperm (through artificial insemination). In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries and gives birth to a baby conceived with your egg and your partner's sperm, then transferred as an embryo to her womb.

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on October 29, 2008

Sources: Sources

SOURCES: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Tortora/ Grabowski 7th Ed; Resolve: The National Infertility Association, http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer.

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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