What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the application of laboratory or clinical technology to gametes (human egg or sperm) and/or embryos for the purposes of reproduction. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most common types of ART.
The main surgical procedure in an IVF cycle is the egg collection (also referred to as egg pick-up, oocyte pick-up and OPU), and sometimes egg harvesting. After a patient's eggs have been collected, hormone medicines will be prescribed to help prepare the lining of the womb. Meanwhile, the fertilised eggs will grow in a lab for up to six days before the best one or two embryos are transferred into the patient's womb.
From there, it can generally take between 4-6 weeks to complete one cycle of IVF, followed by a couple of weeks wait while the eggs mature. The eggs can then be retrieved and fertilised.
If you're considering assisted reproductive technology, it's important to understand how IVF health insurance can help with potential costs. HIF’s Gold Top Hospital Cover includes benefits that can help eligible members access support treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), including accommodation, theatre fees, and specialist charges when admitted to an HIF-contracted hospital1 as an inpatient service. Exploring your IVF private health insurance options early can make the journey to parenthood more manageable.