Assisted reproductive technology (ART) covers a range of treatments that can help correct infertility issues for men and women. The following information will help you make an informed decision about the most common forms of ART.
Before you can choose a treatment, determine what kind of coverage you can expect to receive. Some provinces partially cover the costs of assisted reproductive procedures. For example, in Ontario, artificial insemination and a few other procedures are covered by OHIP if you're under 40, but you may still have to pay for lab fees, which can total thousands of dollars. You may also be able to write off the costs of certain treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization, through your taxes. Check with your province and healthcare provider to determine the coverage available in your area, as in many cases, ART treatment can be expensive .
Assisted reproductive technology refers to any fertility treatment that involves the sperm or egg. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the oldest and most successful fertility treatments and has helped millions of people conceive a child. During an IVF procedure, an egg is extracted from the woman's ovaries, fertilized by sperm outside the body and cultured inside a laboratory. The resulting embryo is reinserted into the woman's uterus in order for a normal pregnancy to develop. IVF treatment can also be used if a couple decides to work with a surrogate mother.
Intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination, is simpler than IVF therapy, but is effective in many cases and usually much cheaper. Sperm is placed with a catheter or a conception cap near the cervix to make it easier for the sperm to find the egg. Success rates vary, but approximately 10 to 25 per cent of women conceive after using artificial insemination.
ICSI treatment is similar to IVF, but involves injecting a single sperm into the middle of an egg outside the body, which can help increase the chance of fertilization. It's usually performed after a failed IVF procedure. Costs can run over $17,000, but there is a rather high success rate for those struggling to have a child. Approximately 35 per cent of infertile women conceive a child with this method.
There are potential risks involved with ART treatments. Some studies have suggested that children born with ART methods such as IVF can produce children with lower birth weights, increased birth defects and an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Despite the risks, ART treatments are often the only way for some women to become pregnant.
Ultimately, ART treatments can produce amazing results for couples and people who want a child. You may be able to start the family you always wanted if you explore your ART options with a doctor you trust.
