Source: CDC.gov | Updated December 2024

What Is Assisted Reproductive Technology?

Assisted Reproductive Technology, or ART, refers to fertility treatments where both eggs and sperm are handled in a laboratory to help achieve a pregnancy. In simple terms: ART involves medical procedures that take the next step beyond natural conception by supporting egg and sperm outside the body before placing them back to support pregnancy.

The most well-known type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF). But ART also includes:
- Egg or embryo freezing (cryopreservation) for future use
- Egg or embryo donation
- Procedures where embryos are transferred to a gestational carrier

What ART does not include:
- Treatments where only sperm are handled, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Medications taken solely to stimulate egg production without planned egg retrieval

For a complete glossary of fertility terms, visit the CDC's ART resource page: CDC: Glossary of ART Terms

How ART Works: The Basic Process

While every journey is unique, most ART procedures follow a general pathway:

Ovarian stimulation: Medications help the ovaries produce multiple mature eggs
Egg retrieval: A minor surgical procedure collects eggs from the ovaries
Laboratory fertilization: Eggs are combined with sperm in a controlled lab environment
Embryo development: Fertilized eggs (now embryos) grow for several days
Embryo transfer: One or more healthy embryos are placed into the uterus
Follow-up: Pregnancy testing and ongoing care

Additional options may include:
- Freezing extra embryos for future attempts
- Genetic testing of embryos before transfer
- Using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos
- Working with a gestational carrier when needed

At Crestwood General, we understand that fertility care is deeply personal. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals and couples exploring their options. Learn more about our reproductive health services at https://crestwoodgeneral.com/.

For Patients and Families: Tools to Support Your Journey

Navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming. These trusted, free resources can help you make informed decisions:

🔹 ART Success Rates
Review clinic-specific success data from fertility centers across the United States. Understanding national and local benchmarks helps set realistic expectations.
Explore the data: CDC: ART Success Rates

🔹 IVF Success Estimator
This interactive tool helps estimate your personal chance of having a baby with IVF, based on factors like age, diagnosis, and prior treatment history. While not a guarantee, it offers a helpful starting point for discussions with your provider.
Try the estimator: CDC: IVF Success Estimator

🔹 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear answers about common concerns: What causes infertility? When should I seek help? What are the risks? How do lifestyle factors play a role?
Read the FAQs: CDC: Infertility FAQs

Understanding Success: What the Numbers Really Mean

ART success is typically measured by live birth rates per cycle started or per embryo transfer. But numbers alone don't tell your whole story. Factors that influence outcomes include:

Age of the egg provider (the single strongest predictor)
Cause of infertility
Number and quality of embryos available
Clinic laboratory standards and expertise
Overall health and lifestyle factors

The CDC's annual ART reports provide transparent, clinic-level data to support informed choices. Review the latest national summary: CDC: National ART Summary

For Public Health Professionals and Researchers

CDC plays a key role in monitoring ART use and outcomes across the United States through the National ART Surveillance System (NASS). This system collects data from nearly all U.S. fertility clinics to:

Track trends in ART utilization and outcomes
Identify opportunities to improve patient safety and care quality
Support research on maternal and child health
Inform public health policy and clinical guidelines

🔹 ART Surveillance Overview
Learn how CDC collects, analyzes, and reports ART data to protect and promote reproductive health.
CDC: About ART Surveillance

🔹 NASS Publications
Access peer-reviewed studies and reports using national ART data to advance scientific understanding.
CDC: NASS Publications

🔹 Accessing NASS Data
Researchers may apply for de-identified datasets to support approved studies.
CDC: NASS Data Access

Additional federal resources for reproductive health research:
- NIH: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Office of Population Affairs: Family Planning Resources

Making Informed Decisions: Questions to Ask Your Provider

Whether you're just beginning to explore fertility options or preparing for your next cycle, these questions can help guide your conversation:

What types of ART procedures do you offer, and which might be right for me?
What are your clinic's success rates for patients in my age group and with my diagnosis?
What is the full cost breakdown, including medications, monitoring, and potential add-ons?
How do you support emotional and mental health during treatment?
What are the risks of multiple pregnancy, and how do you minimize them?
Do you offer genetic testing of embryos, and when is it recommended?

Writing down your questions ahead of time can help you feel more confident and prepared. At Crestwood General, we encourage open, honest dialogue between patients and providers. Connect with our care team to start the conversation: https://crestwoodgeneral.com/

Support Beyond the Clinic: Emotional and Practical Resources

Fertility treatment is more than a medical process—it's an emotional journey. Consider these supportive steps:

✅ Seek counseling or join a support group specializing in fertility challenges
✅ Connect with others through reputable organizations like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
✅ Prioritize self-care: rest, nutrition, gentle movement, and stress management
✅ Communicate openly with your partner, family, or trusted friends about your needs
✅ Review insurance coverage and financial assistance options early in the process

The CDC also provides general reproductive health information for all life stages: CDC: Reproductive Health

Have Questions or Feedback?

The CDC welcomes inquiries about ART data, resources, or reporting.
Contact: ARTinfo@cdc.gov

For personalized medical advice, always consult a qualified healthcare provider. At Crestwood General, we're committed to providing compassionate, up-to-date care for individuals and families at every stage of their reproductive journey. Visit us online to learn more: https://crestwoodgeneral.com/

Trusted Resources for Further Learning

CDC: Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.cdc.gov/art/
CDC: ART Success Rates by Clinic
https://www.cdc.gov/art/success-rates.html
CDC: IVF Success Estimator Tool
https://www.cdc.gov/art/ivf-estimator.html
Office on Women's Health: Infertility Overview
https://www.womenshealth.gov/fertility/infertility
National Institutes of Health: Fertility and Reproductive Health
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/fertility
Crestwood General: Reproductive Health Services
https://crestwoodgeneral.com/

Your path to parenthood is unique. With accurate information, supportive care, and trusted resources, you can move forward with confidence.