Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) refers to a range of medical procedures that aim to assist couples or individuals in achieving pregnancy. These technologies are employed when natural conception is not possible or poses a significant risk to the health of the mother or child. ART includes various techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). Let's delve into the details of each of these techniques.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
- IVF is the most commonly used ART technique.
- It involves the retrieval of eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish.
- The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus for implantation.
- IVF can be used to overcome issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, or unexplained infertility.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
- ICSI is a specialized form of IVF.
- It involves the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
- This technique is employed when the male partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT):
- GIFT involves the transfer of both eggs and sperm into the fallopian tubes.
- Fertilization occurs inside the woman's body, similar to natural conception.
- GIFT is suitable for couples who have unexplained infertility or have religious or ethical concerns regarding fertilization outside the body.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT):
- ZIFT is similar to GIFT, but the fertilized embryos are transferred into the fallopian tubes at a later stage.
- The embryos are allowed to develop in the laboratory for a few days before transfer.
- ZIFT is helpful for couples who have undergone multiple failed attempts at IVF.

Conclusion:
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) provide hope for individuals and couples struggling with infertility. These techniques have revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine and continue to evolve, offering new possibilities for achieving pregnancy. It is essential to consult with a qualified fertility specialist to determine the most suitable ART technique based on individual circumstances and medical history.

A] Include social awareness programmes to educate people about reproductive health and diseases.
B] Include research organisation working to produce new and more effective contraceptives for birth control.
C] Include a number of special techniques which assist infertile couples to have children.
D] Both B] and C].
Answer is - C]