Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs) refer to the sophisticated methods that are available to produce a pregnancy in a couple with severe male or female factor infertility. These techniques typically require a team approach with a Reproductive Endocrinologist, an Embryologist and a specially trained Urologist. These techniques can be employed in couples with male factor infertility having little or no viable sperm in the ejaculate or in men with irreversible ductal obstruction.
While the Reproductive Endocrinologist prepares the female partner with ovulation induction and oocyte harvesting, the Urologist addresses the male partner to harvest and preserve viable sperm. Often this requires a microsurgical approach for optimal results. It should be noted that both the male and the female partner require a thorough evaluation prior to undergoing ARTs to identify any treatable causes of infertility and to insure that these sophisticated and invasive techniques are truly indicated.
Our group has decades of experience in the field of male infertility and microsurgery. We are well versed in all aspects of ARTs and collaborate with many of the Reproductive Endocrinologists in the area. Our goals are: to assess the fertility status of the male partner; to treat any reversible causes of male infertility; and to initiate and facilitate the process of sperm harvesting to optimize the ARTs results when these techniques are indicated.