Advances in Reproductive Technology Research

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) now accounts for 13% of all live births in the western world. Several procedures that may be used in the ART process are hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, micro-manipulation of gametes; and exposure to culture medium. Although these techniques are considered safe, in recent years evidence has been accumulating that ART may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and genetic imprinting disorders. This book provides current research in reproductive technology with a focus on Down''s Syndrome screening in assisted conception pregnancies; sexed semen technology in buffalo breeding and reproductive technologies; a nation-wide study of assisted reproductive technology and multiple births and accompanied birth defects; and assisted reproductive technologies and the risk for autism spectrum disorder.