If you’ve ever nodded along while someone casually mentioned assisted reproductive technology methods like IVF or IUI — while quietly wondering what actually happens during those treatments — you’re not alone.
Assisted reproductive technology methods (often shortened to ART) include medical treatments designed to help people conceive when pregnancy does not happen easily on its own. For some, ART becomes part of their fertility journey. For others, it is a short chapter.
Either way, understanding what these treatments involve — and what all those hormones actually do — can make the process feel a lot less overwhelming. It can also help you support loved ones who are going through the process.
Let’s walk through the most common assisted reproductive technology methods, what the process looks like, and the medications typically used along the way.
What does “assisted reproductive technology” mean?
Assisted reproductive technology methods include fertility treatments where eggs, sperm, or embryos are handled with medical assistance to increase the chance of pregnancy.
They are commonly recommended for:
- Ovulation disorders
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Male factor infertility
- Age-related fertility changes
- Genetic conditions
- Unexplained infertility
These treatments are usually overseen by a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist).
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Often the first step before moving to more complex treatments.
What it is
Sperm is placed directly into the uterus around ovulation to shorten the journey and increase the chance of fertilization.
General process
- Ultrasounds and bloodwork to track ovulation
- Medication to stimulate egg development (sometimes)
- Sperm preparation in a lab
- A short in-office procedure to place sperm into the uterus
Medications commonly used
Letrozole or Clomiphene (Clomid) – oral pills
These medications gently encourage the ovaries to release an egg. They work by nudging the brain to send stronger signals to the ovaries.
Trigger shot (hCG) – injection
This mimics the body’s natural ovulation hormone (LH) and tells the ovary when to release the egg so timing is precise.
How medications are given
- Pills by mouth
- Small injections under the skin
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
The most well-known and most involved ART method.
What it is
Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the embryo is transferred directly into the uterus to support implantation.
General process
- Ovaries are stimulated to make multiple eggs mature (in a “natural” cycle, only one, sometimes two eggs reach maturity)
- Eggs are retrieved with a minor procedure
- Eggs are fertilized in a lab
- Embryos grow for several days
- One embryo is transferred to the uterus
- Pregnancy test follows about two weeks later
IVF Medications and What They Do
Here is where the hormone alphabet soup begins — but it actually makes sense once you break it down.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
What it does:
FSH tells the ovaries to grow follicles (which contain eggs). In a natural cycle, your body matures one egg. In IVF, FSH helps several to mature.
Why it is used:
To increase the number of eggs available for retrieval.
How it is given:
Small daily injections under the skin.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) or LH-like medications
What it does:
LH helps finalize egg maturation and plays a role in ovulation timing.
Why it is used:
Often combined with FSH to support healthy egg development.
How it is given:
Injection.
GnRH Agonists or Antagonists (suppression medications)
What they do:
These prevent the body from ovulating too early.
Why they are used:
So eggs can be retrieved at the right time instead of releasing on their own.
How they are given:
Injection or nasal spray.
hCG (Trigger Shot)
What it does:
Mimics the body’s natural LH surge to complete egg maturation.
Why it is used:
To precisely time egg retrieval or insemination.
How it is given:
Injection (subcutaneous or intramuscular).
Progesterone
What it does:
Supports the uterine lining so an embryo can implant and remain stable.
Why it is used:
IVF cycles often suppress natural progesterone production, so supplementation is essential.
How it is given:
- Vaginal suppositories or gel
- Oral capsules
- Intramuscular injections
Not glamorous, but very important.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A specialized type of IVF.
What it is
A single sperm is injected directly into an egg in the lab.
Why it’s used
- Low sperm count
- Low sperm movement
- Previous fertilization challenges
Process and medications
Same as IVF — just a different fertilization step in the lab.
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
What it is
Eggs are stimulated, retrieved, and frozen for future use.
Process
Same stimulation and retrieval as IVF — but eggs are frozen instead of fertilized.
Medications
Same FSH, LH, suppression medications, and trigger shot used in IVF.
Embryo Freezing
Eggs are fertilized first, then embryos are frozen for later transfer.
Donor Eggs, Donor Sperm, and Gestational Carriers
Some families use:
- Donor eggs
- Donor sperm
- A gestational carrier (surrogate)
These options involve additional medical screening, legal processes, and emotional support.
A gentle word about fertility medications
These hormones are powerful tools — and they can feel intense.
Common side effects include:
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Injection site soreness
None of this means you’re weak. It means your endocrine system is working overtime.
Where integrative care fits in
Many people use acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition therapy, or nervous-system-based care alongside assisted reproductive technology methods to help with:
- Blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Stress regulation
- Sleep quality
- Digestive comfort
- Emotional resilience
- Medication side effects
The best outcomes often come from collaboration.
Team integrative care, always.
The real takeaway
Assisted reproductive technology methods are not a reflection of failure.
They are tools.
Some people need them.
Some people try them briefly.
Some never do.
All paths are valid.
If you are walking this road, you deserve information that feels clear, compassionate, and empowering — not confusing or cold.
And if you are just learning? That curiosity alone is a form of care – either self-care, or care for a loved one who is in the thick of it.
Continue Your Journey
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