Topic Overview

When thinking about an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure, ask your doctor:

• For a step-by-step description of the procedure. Ask about any fertility medicines, daily blood testing, and egg harvesting. ART treatment is physically and emotionally demanding, especially for the mother.
• About his or her level of expertise. ART procedures to correct infertility in both men and women require specialized training and experience.
• How likely it is that you and your partner will conceive after treatment with ART. This depends on the specific type of problem being treated. It also depends on other fertility factors such as a woman's age. You must feel comfortable that the risks of ART are worth the chance of becoming pregnant.
• About the clinic's treatment success rates. Also ask about what types of problems the clinic typically treats.