Volume 107, Issue 4, Pages 880–881

Authors:

Richard J. Paulson, M.D., Richard H. Reindollar, M.D., Kevin J. Doody, M.D.

Abstract:

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has reduced the suffering associated with reproductive impairment for many individuals and couples. The importance and beneficence of in vitro fertiilization (IVF) in the 21st century cannot be overstated. An estimated 7–8 million children have been born through this technology worldwide. ART treatments are, however, not uniformly successful. The majority of in vitro- (and in vivo-) derived embryos are not ultimately viable and will not produce babies. For couples not experiencing infertility, this is not a big problem as most fertile couples will conceive within a few months. For couples experiencing infertility, a low success rate per ART treatment cycle can be emotionally devastating and financially costly. Therefore, it is important to optimize every step to maximize the chances for success, including the critical component of the embryo transfer (ET) procedure.

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