Assisted reproductive technology (ART) encompasses any fertility treatment where both the sperm and egg are handled in some way, such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The use of ART has increased in recent years and it has proved to be a lifeline for couples who are unable to conceive naturally. Nonetheless, it is expensive and can impose great psychological burdens on families. There are public health issues too, such as preterm birth and a high incidence of multiple delivery.
This book discusses some contemporary aspects of ART theory and practice, for example the factors that affect fertilization during ICSI such as timing of the procedure, chromosomal factors, sperm motility and oocyte morphology. Another chapter evaluates the routes of progesterone administration during late luteal support in ART, and also compares the efficacy of progesterone with human chorionic gonadotropin. Further chapters describe methods of sperm selection; the role of ultrasonography in assessing endometrial thickness, volume and other markers for receptivity; and the techniques used for genetic screening of IVF embryos before implantation.
We believe this book will be relevant to all specialists and practitioners in reproductive medicine, and hope that it will provide the stimulus for further research in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
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