There are some types of ART techniques that are important to know for couples who are struggling with infertility. Medical science is advancing every day and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is also giving new hope to those who are dreaming to become parents. This blog will help you to know the various techniques that are available.
Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) at RISAA IVF have helped many couples through different ART treatments based on their health. In this blog, we will mention everything about the types of ART techniques. We will also explain how they work, when they are used, and more.
What is ART?
The full form of ART is Assisted Reproductive Technology. It is a group of medical treatments that help couples or individuals who are having issues to get pregnant naturally. These techniques help to fertilize an egg outside the body or help sperm and eggs to meet in different ways.
There are many types of ART techniques which include various procedures to improve the chances of pregnancy when natural methods don’t work. The main goal is to help people who want to become parents by managing issues related to fertility.
Types of ART Techniques
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes many methods to help couples get pregnant when natural pregnancy is difficult. Doctors recommend these techniques based on the specific fertility issues. Here are some common ART methods which are mentioned below:
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
In this, eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The fertilized embryo is then placed into the uterus for pregnancy to develop.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to help fertilize it. This is useful when sperm quality or count is low.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
Prepared sperm is placed directly inside the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization naturally.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA):
This is a procedure to collect sperm directly from the testicles. This is used when sperm is not present in the ejaculate.
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA):
Sperm is taken from the epididymis, which is a part of the male reproductive system. This process is done through a small needle and it is used when sperm retrieval is needed.
In this, eggs, sperm, or embryos are frozen, which can be used later. This helps to preserve fertility to become pregnant.
After fertilization in the lab, one or more healthy embryos are placed into the woman’s uterus to start a pregnancy.
A small cut is made in the embryo’s outer shell by using a laser to help it hatch and implant better in the uterus.
MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration):
This is a surgical method to remove sperm from the epididymis. This process is done using a microscope and is recommended for men who have blocked sperm ducts.
Who Can Benefit from ART Treatments?
The different types of ART techniques can help many people who cannot have a baby naturally. It helps couples and individuals who are facing different kinds of fertility issues.
People who can benefit from ART include:
- Couples with Long-Term Infertility
- Women with Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
- Men with Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
- Older Women
- People with Genetic Disorders
- Couples with Unexplained Infertility
- Cancer Patients
- Single Parents or Same-Sex Couples
How ART Techniques are Chosen for Each Couple?
The right ART method depends on every couple’s health, fertility problem, and medical history. Doctors carefully study many factors before recommending the best treatment.
Here’s how they decide:
- Medical Tests – There are basic tests like hormone levels, ultrasound, semen analysis, or advanced testing that can help doctors to understand the cause of infertility.
- Woman’s Age and Egg Reserve – If the woman is older or has low egg count then doctors may suggest IVF or use of donor eggs.
- Sperm Health – If the male partner has very low sperm count or movement then some methods like ICSI, TESA, or PESA may be recommended.
- Fallopian Tube Condition – Blocked or damaged tubes may often need IVF because natural fertilization may not be possible.
- Previous Pregnancy History – If a couple had multiple failed pregnancies or treatments then doctors may use advanced ART techniques like embryo freezing or laser-assisted hatching.
- Other Health Conditions – If one or both partners have PCOS, endometriosis, diabetes, or other conditions then treatments are planned accordingly.
Success Rates of Different ART Methods
Success in ART depends on age, fertility issues, overall health, and the method which is used. Here’s a quick look at the common ART methods and their average success rates:
| ART Technique | Average Success Rate | Notes |
| IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) | 40–50% (women under 35) | Most popular method; success lowers with age |
| ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) | Similar to IVF | Helps in male infertility; done with IVF |
| IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | 10–20% per cycle | Best for mild fertility issues |
| Cryopreservation (Frozen Embryos) | 30–40% | Success depends on embryo quality and age |
| TESA/PESA/MESA | 30–40% (with IVF+ICSI) | Used when sperm is taken directly from the testicles or epididymis |
| Laser-Assisted Hatching | Slight increase (adds 5–10%) | Useful in repeated IVF failures or older women |
ART Techniques Risks
Assisted Reproductive Technology has helped many couples to become parents but it also has some risks. These risks can depend on the procedure and the individual’s health. So, it’s important to know about these risks to help couples make better decisions.
Here are some common risks of ART:
-
- Multiple Pregnancy
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Emotional and Physical Stress
- Egg Retrieval and Surgery Risks
- Birth Defects (Slightly Increased Risk)
- Financial and Time Burden
Final Words
There are different types of ART techniques that play an important role to help couples who are facing fertility issues. In this blog, we’ve explained everything about ART, including what it means, who can benefit from it, and how the right method is chosen. We have also explained about the success rates and risks. So, it’s very important to understand these techniques when you’re making decisions about your fertility journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has guided many couples with her experience. If you have questions or want to explore your options, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the ART techniques in gynecology?
ART techniques include IVF, ICSI, IUI, cryopreservation, and sperm retrieval methods like TESA, PESA, and MESA. These help treat different fertility problems.
What are the ART techniques for assisted reproductive technology?
Some common ART methods are IVF, ICSI, IUI, embryo transfer, laser-assisted hatching, and egg/sperm freezing. The choice depends on the couple’s condition.
Is ART only for women with fertility issues?
No, ART helps both men and women. It also supports couples with unexplained infertility or those using donor sperm or eggs.