Addressing Fertility Challenges: Recent Technological Innovations in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and the Future Potential of Gamete-Generating Stem Cell Research
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse and can result from a complex interplay of male, female, or unexplained factors, affecting a significant portion of the global reproductive-age population. Modern Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), are continually being refined with advanced techniques to improve success rates.
Key technological advancements include embryo selection via Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), high-survival-rate cryopreservation methods like vitrification, and the emerging integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for embryo grading and viability prediction. The group discussion can delve into the ethical and cost implications of these advanced technologies and the exciting, though early-stage, research into in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) using stem cells.