What Is Assisted Reproduction, And How Can It Help You?

Having children is a life step that many people have in their plan. Raising a family can be hugely rewarding, especially with a supportive family on your side. However, many hopeful parents find conceiving a child incredibly difficult. This can cause tremendous strain on both your relationship and make the other aspects of your life more difficult. Juggling a business and a family is one thing, but juggling it with the stress of being unable to conceive is another. 

Thankfully, there are options out there for hopeful parents. One of the more interesting options out there is the continual development of assisted reproduction technology. According to the definition used by the CDC, assisted reproduction technology “includes all fertility treatments in which either eggs or embryos are handled”. Typically, it involves procedures that replace the natural process of conception.

What Assisted Reproduction Technology involves

With assisted reproduction, parents who are struggling to conceive have the option to have their own child. A doctor will typically diagnose a couple with fertility issues after at least one year of attempting to conceive. However, if potential infertility is evident before this, such as cases where the mother suffers from endometriosis, then you should visit a fertility specialist when you decide to have a child.

There are a variety of treatments, the most common and well-known being in vitro fertilisation. This treatment has been around for about 40 years, evolving from a novelty to a relatively mainstream procedure. 

Basically, this treatment works by collecting the egg and sperm and bringing them together in a lab, rather than in the womb. The resultant embryo is then transferred into the womb, where it can grow into a baby. 

While assisted reproduction technology has helped many couples become parents, there are some things to bear in mind. There is an increased risk of multiple births, so be prepared for the potential twins or even more babies. Children may also be born slightly premature or underweight, but this is usually more to do with the underlying cause of the fertility issues than with the treatment. 

Other options to build a family

Of course, some hopeful parents may want to consider different options to build their families. Many assisted reproduction technologies involve the mother taking medication to increase their egg production. Some couples may have the option of taking this medication and then conceiving naturally, although the risk of multiple births remains. 

Depending on the cause of infertility, some couples may be able to conceive after medical treatment. For example, blockages of the fallopian tubes may be corrected with surgery, allowing the couple to then naturally have a child. 

Another option is to adopt a child or baby. The adoption process can be stressful, however, as the adoption agency can be very stringent in its requirements. It can also be expensive. If you decide to adopt an older child, there may be an adjustment period while your family gets used to each other. However, this is an incredibly rewarding experience for many families. Adoption is also available to families which haven’t been able to conceive with any other method.