Partner-assisted reproduction

Partner-assisted reproduction (pronunciation: pahr-tn-er uh-sis-tid ree-pruh-duhk-shuhn) is a term used to describe the process where a couple, unable to conceive naturally, uses medical intervention to assist in the creation of a pregnancy. This can include a range of techniques such as In vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and Artificial insemination.

Etymology

The term "partner-assisted reproduction" is derived from the English words "partner" (meaning a person who takes part in an undertaking with another), "assisted" (meaning helped), and "reproduction" (meaning the action or process of making a copy of something). The term is used to denote the process where a couple seeks medical help to conceive a child.

Related Terms

In vitro fertilization (IVF): A process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a liquid in a laboratory.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): An in vitro fertilization procedure in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. This technique is used to overcome the inability of sperm to penetrate into the egg, or as a method of fertilization with sperm obtained in a non-natural way.

Artificial insemination: A fertility treatment method used to deliver sperm directly to the cervix or uterus in the hopes of getting pregnant. Sometimes, these sperm are washed or "prepared" to increase the likelihood a woman will get pregnant.

Surrogacy: An arrangement, often supported by a legal agreement, whereby a woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to bear a child for another person or persons, who will become the child's parent(s) after birth.

Egg donation: The process by which a woman donates eggs to enable another woman to conceive as part of an assisted reproduction treatment or for biomedical research.