Bioethics: An Introduction

Abstract

Several clinical advances in the field of assisted reproductive technology have improved the success rates of IVF. These advances include improvements in ovulation induction protocols, the introduction of recombinant gonadotropins, GnRH agonists, and, most recently, GnRH antagonists. ICSI has proved to be the most successful technique for the treatment of male infertility. The micromanipulation techniques developed in the embryology laboratory have facilitated advances in the field of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Years of research in embryology laboratories have enabled the successful culture of embryos to the blastocyst stage. In the future, blastocyst transfer may have even more impact on overall success rates of IVF and multiple pregnancy rates. The field of assisted reproductive technologies has come a long way since the first successful IVF pregnancy. Future developments are expected to be equally dynamic as efforts continue to help couples conceive healthy pregnancies.