Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
Open Access

Abstract

Assessment of the Field of Assisted Reproductive Technology: Improvements and the Future of Human In Vitro Fertilization

Elizabeth G Brown, Sanam T Shahrooz, Sannah S Vasaya, Shahrad Shadman and G Ian Gallicano

In vitro fertilization (IVF), a form of assisted reproductive technology has expanded since its introduction in the 1970s to enable patients with prolonged infertility and/or clinical complications to produce biological offspring. This review analyzes the topics of controversy surrounding IVF, weighing evidence concerning contemporary fertility techniques that aim to advance the field of IVF. A comparison of single embryo transfer to double embryo transfer, in the context of economic expenditure and the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, provides support for electing the former. An ethically controversial topic is preimplantation genetic screening, a technology with the potential to reduce the incidence of genetic abnormalities, thereby increasing rates of healthy pregnancies. Lastly, the integration of in vitro maturation (IVM) can allow for a more diverse patient population to benefit from IVF treatment, while simultaneously avoiding several of the associated disadvantages. The future of IVF rests on continued research and the resulting widespread integration of increasingly effective methods.