In the cases where such corrections are not possible, the couple could be assisted to have children through certain special techniques known as Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). The following are some important techniques employed in ART.
1. In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (LVF-ET)
Fertilization of ovum by sperm done outside the body of a woman is called in vitro fertilization. The resultant early embryonic stage (with generally 8 blastomeres) is transferred into the mother's uterus for further development (Embryo Transfer or Intra Uterine Transfer -IUT). In this method, which is popularly known as Test Tube Baby Procedure, ova from the wife/female donor and sperms from the husband/male donor are collected, mixed and induced to form zygote under simulated conditions (almost similar conditions as that in the female body) in the laboratory. If the mother's uterus is not medically fit to receive the embryo produced in vitro, it can be implanted in the uterus of another woman (surrogate mother) willing to carry this embryo.
2. Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
This is another technique used to overcome infertility. The ovum is extracted and fertilized in vitro (outside the body) and the zygote is transferred to the woman's fallopian tube to complete its further course of development ("intrafallopian" means "inside the fallopian tubes").
3. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
Some women cannot produce ova either due to defects or diseases in the ovaries, but still can provide suitable environment for fertilization and further development of the embryo in their uteri. In such cases an ovum collected from a donor is transferred to the fallopian tube of the recipient woman for fertilization. This method is known as GUT.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
This is another specialized procedure in which a sperm is directly injected into the ovum with the help of a microscopic needle to form an embryo in the laboratory. Later the embryo is transferred to the uterus or fallopian tube for further development. This method is employed to assist the couple where there are problems with the sperms such as decrease in sperm count.
5. Artificial Insemination (AT)
In cases of infertility either due to inability of the male partner to mseminate the female or due to very low sperm count in the ejaculate, artificial insemination technique is suggested. In this technique, semen is collected from the husband/healthy donor and is introduced into the uterus (Intrauterine insemination- IUI) for achieving fertilization.
