Assisted reproductive technology (ART) encompasses a range of approaches that bring science and compassion together to support family building. This guide walks through the most common types of ART, what they involve, and where new developments may shape the future of care. The aim isn’t just to explain procedures, but to also provide reassurance, context, and confidence as you navigate your next steps with your fertility team.
ART refers to fertility treatments that handle eggs, sperm, or embryos in a lab to help you conceive. The most familiar example is in vitro fertilization (IVF), but ART also includes related procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), egg or embryo freezing, donor egg/sperm/embryo cycles, and gestational surrogacy. In general, ART involves retrieving eggs, combining them with sperm in the lab, and transferring embryos back to the uterus (or to a surrogate carrier). (CDC)
Important context: infertility affects about 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide at some point in their lives—so if this is your path right now, you’re navigating something many others experience too. (World Health Organization)
What it is: Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in the lab, and cultured to form embryos. One or more embryos are then transferred to the uterus. Remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen for a future cycles. IVF is the most common ART approach. (CDC)
Who may consider it:
Good to know: Many countries and professional bodies encourage single-embryo transfer when appropriate to reduce multiple pregnancy risks while keeping success rates strong. Guidance varies by age, embryo stage, and clinical factors. (ASRM)
What it is: In an IVF cycle, an embryologist injects a single sperm directly into an egg to help fertilization—especially helpful when sperm number, movement, or shape are deemed to be infertility factors. (CDC)
Who may consider it:
What it is: A frozen embryo transfer uses an embryo that was created earlier, frozen (cryopreserved), and then thawed to be placed into the uterus in a later cycle. FET is an integral part of modern IVF and is used worldwide. (CDC)
Why patients choose FET:
Protocols: Clinics use natural-cycle, modified natural, or hormone-prepared cycles to time the transfer; progesterone support and endometrial preparation remain areas of active research and refinement. (European Medical Journal)
How many embryos to transfer? Most guidelines aim to avoid multiples while maintaining success—often recommending single-embryo transfer for many patients, especially those in your age groups with good-quality blastocysts. Your care team will help you decide what makes sense for your personal situation. (eshre.eu)
What it is: Patients may use donated eggs, sperm, or embryos for medical or genetic reasons. Programs follow rigorous screening and safety standards. (ASRM)
Who may consider it:
Support matters: Good clinics pair donors/recipients with counseling, transparent consent, and clear medical/legal guidance. (ASRM)
What it is: An embryo created with intended parent(s)’ or donor gametes is transferred into a gestational carrier’s uterus. Legal frameworks vary widely by region; reputable clinics follow strict medical and ethical standards. Your clinic can direct you to local guidance and legal counsel. (reproductivefacts.org)
What it is: Freezing eggs (oocyte cryopreservation) and embryos (embryo cryopreservation) for future use. Vitrification—an ultra-rapid freezing method—has improved survival after thawing and is now routine in many labs. Cryopreservation is also how clinics make FET cycles possible. (CDC)
Who may consider it:
IUI—placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus—does not involve lab handling of eggs/embryos, so it’s often categorized as a fertility treatment rather than an ART procedure. It can be a first-line step for certain patients (e.g., mild male factor or unexplained infertility) before moving to IVF. National guidance documents discuss when to escalate care. (NICE)
Surgical treatments (e.g., to address fibroids inside the cavity or severe endometriosis) may be appropriate before or alongside ART. Your clinician will tailor recommendations to your diagnosis and goals.
Transferring more than one embryo can raise the chance of pregnancy and the chance of twins or higher-order multiples—which carry higher health risks for the pregnant patient and babies. That’s why many professional bodies in Europe and the U.S. promote elective single-embryo transfer in many scenarios, especially when high-quality blastocysts are available. Discuss your individual odds, age, embryo quality, and history with your care team. (eshre.eu)
National registries publish clinic-reported ART success rates, which can help you compare services and understand overall trends. Remember: success varies with age, diagnosis, and embryo quality, and not all clinics treat the same patient populations. Look for transparent definitions (per-transfer vs per-cycle) and ask how a clinic reports success for FET as well as fresh transfers. (CDC)
FET deserves its own spotlight because it’s so common in modern IVF:
A lot of headlines promise “breakthroughs.” Here’s a practical, patient-friendly read on new assisted reproductive technology trends—with a reality check on what’s ready now versus what’s still being studied.
Research teams are training AI models to help embryologists evaluate embryos and potentially predict outcomes. Early studies are intriguing, but results across centers and datasets can vary, and many tools are still investigational. It’s reasonable to ask your clinic how (or if) they use AI, how performance is validated, and whether it changes care. (ScienceDirect)
Evidence check: Large reviews and trials show mixed or limited impact on live birth from related technologies like time-lapse imaging (cameras that continuously monitor embryo development). That doesn’t mean these tools have no value—it means we’re still learning exactly when and how they help most. (The Lancet)
Traditional preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) involves taking a small biopsy from the embryo’s outer cells to determine the risk of genetic abnormalities. But an over-prevalence of mosaicism can lead to viable embryos being discarded. Newer PGT-A tests double-check results with carefully selected genetic markers to confirm results, reducing false positives and therefore increasing the number of viable embryos.
Non-invasive approaches (niPGT-A) analyze DNA that the embryo releases into the culture medium. Early studies show promise, but methods are not yet standardized across labs, and results can differ. If you hear about niPGT-A, ask about validation, how results compare to biopsy-based PGT-A, and whether it changes decisions. (OUP Academic)
Fresh research continues on tailoring endometrial preparation and progesterone support to improve frozen embryo transfer outcomes. You may hear about timing strategies and hormone monitoring aimed at aligning the embryo transfer with the window of receptivity; these are active areas of study and protocol refinement. (European Medical Journal)
Behind every good IVF cycle is a well-run lab. Professional bodies periodically update lab quality and embryo-assessment standards—the invisible backbone of safe, consistent ART care. Ask your clinic about accreditation and how they keep up with evolving guidance. (ASRM)
Bottom line: New technologies are exciting, but the strongest outcome gains still come from high-quality core practices—good stimulation protocols, careful lab work, single-embryo transfer when appropriate, and individual-centered care. (ASRM)
Reputable clinics follow national/regional regulations and professional guidance on topics like donor screening, embryo handling, and informed consent. Ask how your clinic stays aligned with current standards. (ASRM)
Reducing multiples is a shared priority. If your plan involves transferring more than one embryo, make sure you understand the trade-offs. (ASRM)
Counselling and peer support can make a meaningful difference before, during, and after treatment—many guidelines explicitly recommend it. You deserve support at every step. (NICE)
Which ART options fit my diagnosis and goals right now?
If we use IVF, when would you recommend ICSI—and why? (CDC)
What’s your approach to frozen embryo transfer (FET) protocols and progesterone timing? (European Medical Journal)
How many embryos would you transfer for someone like me, and how do you balance success and safety? (ASRM)
Do you use AI or time-lapse imaging? If so, how have you validated it, and does it change outcomes in your hands? (The Lancet)
References that might be helpful
Learn the definition of these and 100+ more ART and fertility-related terms in our online glossary.
Your fertility journey is deeply personal. Technologies and protocols are tools—you are the center of the story. The right plan aligns evidence with your values, your health, and your timeline. If you’re considering IVF, ICSI, a frozen embryo transfer, or exploring new assisted reproductive technology options, bring your questions, take notes, and give yourself permission to pause and process. You deserve clarity, care, and a plan that fits your life.
