What is Assisted Reproductive Technology? Types, IVF & ICSI

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • content_copy Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  ios_shareShare

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) acts as a vital bridge for couples navigating infertility, guiding them toward parenthood. ART encompasses a range of medical procedures designed to assist women in becoming pregnant. These technologies address infertility by manipulating eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting to create embryos, which are then used to achieve pregnancy. Common ART procedures include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrafallopian transfer, Frozen embryo transfer, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and third-party ART.

In India, a nation with over 65% of its population under 35, an estimated 27.5 million couples face infertility challenges. This makes infertility a significant public health concern. Factors contributing to infertility include sedentary lifestyles, delayed family planning, general health issues, and poor dietary habits. Moreover, age-related factors, such as declining egg quality in women and decreased sperm production in men, further exacerbate these challenges.

Given these fertility obstacles, Assisted Reproductive Technology has emerged as a popular and effective solution. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in particular, is among the most widely used treatments for infertility. Because IVF and related treatments like reproductive immunology can be financially demanding, having a comprehensive health insurance plan can greatly alleviate the burden of these expenses. Continue reading to learn more about how ART works and how Care Classic Health Insurance can provide coverage.

What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?

Earlier, there was no need for such technologies; couples could conceive naturally, but infertility is becoming a ‘gift’ of the modern world to humans. The definition of Assisted reproductive technologies is that several advanced technologies assist in reproduction. Couples can fulfill their dreams of becoming parents through Assisted Reproductive Technology. Couples who have been going through infertility for a long are advised to choose ART options. They manipulate eggs and sperm in a laboratory, create embryos, and place them in the uterus. Both men and women may have infertility issues, and these technologies provide solutions in both cases. The babies born through ART are as normal as other children.

Types of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

There are various types of ART options involving different reproductive cells and techniques. We describe them below. You may contact your doctor to pick the most suitable one for you.

IVF

It is the most common ART procedure in which eggs and sperm are fertilised outside the body, forming embryos. Then, the doctor places the embryos into the woman’s uterus. That is the meaning of IVF technology. The steps of IVF are superovulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer.

Intrafallopian transfer

Gamete Intrafallopain Transfer (GIFT) involves collecting the ovum from the woman, mixing it with sperm, and transferring it to the fallopian tube. This technology helps the eggs fertilise and develop in the fallopian tube.

Frozen embryo transfer

FET thaws frozen fertilised eggs (embryos) and transfers them to the patient’s uterus during the menstrual cycle so that the endometrium accepts them. Embryos are frozen at different times: after fertilisation, at the cleavage stage, or when they become blastocysts. They are frozen all at once or collectively in groups.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves injecting one live sperm directly into the centre of a human egg. This ART procedure is advised after a failed IVF attempt and for couples with male factor infertility.

Third-party ART

If all other infertility treatments have been ineffective, then the third-party-assisted ART method may be opted for. These procedures include egg donation, sperm donation, surrogates, embryo donation and gestational carriers.

What Causes Infertility in Males

Infertility and subfertility affects 48 million couples. There are major reasons for male infertility-

• Obesity
• Age
• Smoking and addictive substances
• Mobile phone irradiation
• Nutrition
• Supplements and steroids
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Genital injuries

What Causes Infertility in Females

Problems with ovulation cause infertility in females. If you’re more than 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months of trying, then infertility becomes a challenge. The following are the causes:

• Cervical mucus issues
• Poor nutrition
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Damage to the fallopian tubes
• Age
• Hormonal imbalances
• Exposure to chemicals
• Radiations

Assisted Reproductive Treatment Insurance with Care Classic

The average cost of assisted reproductive treatments in India ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹3.5 lakh and maybe more, making it a significant expense. Thus, having a health insurance plan that ensures financial coverage for such medical expenses can be helpful in times of need.

Care Classic Health Insurance is a health plan offering comprehensive benefits at a zone-based premium. The plan from Care Health Insurance ensures that you get coverage for assisted reproductive treatment at a reasonable premium based on your zone.

Features of Assisted Reproductive Treatments Insurance

As discussed before, assisted reproductive treatments are aimed at curing infertility problems in couples. Considering its high success rates, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most popular options. With Care Classic, you need not worry about the expenses incurred but get the best treatment available. Here are the features of Care Classic Health Insurance:

• Upto 2 lacs per policy year for SI>5 lacs
• 3 years waiting period
• Once in every block of 3 years after completion of the wait period
• Both husband and wife shall be continuously covered in the policy at every block.

Limitations of Assisted Reproductive Treatment

One must note that the IVF procedure is time-consuming and complex. Hence, patience is much needed with IVF technology. There may be recurrent implantation failure in IVF, but all you need is a little more patience to trust the process. Also, acknowledging the problems with in vitro fertilisation is equally essential. Since it is a lab performing fertilisation, there may come pregnancy challenges like miscarriage, premature delivery of the baby, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Remaining in regular touch with your doctor and following all the instructions is highly advised.

>>Also Read: Health Insurance for IVF Treatment

Wrapping Up

Getting the opportunity to raise a child is a blessing. In today's world of medical science, there are high hopes of fulfilling your pregnancy dream. Assisted reproductive treatments aim at targeting infertility problems in either or both couples to overcome it and help with a successful and healthy pregnancy. Consult your doctor, attend regular check-ups, and follow the treatment procedure as recommended.

Investing in a health plan like Care Classic covers the related financial expenses, allowing you to focus more on the treatment.

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.