Medically assisted reproduction strategies

This unit explores the social, medical and genetic treatment options and strategies available to people requiring assisted reproductive technology (ART). By understanding the reproductive requirements of patients (including autologous treatment, donor gametes and embryos, surrogacy and genetic testing), you will gain an appreciation for when medical intervention is needed and the strategies that have the strongest clinical and medical evidence. You will also understand confounding factors that impact IVF success for both laboratory and pregnancy outcomes, and will consider what defines treatment success from the perspective of different industry stakeholders.

You will perform a critical appraisal on both a published infertility management strategy and a clinically available technique/technology that is not yet standard industry practice to determine if scientific evidence supports routine implementation. Treatment strategies for specific patient groups (including male factor, PCOS and endometriosis) will be explored, including emerging strategies that require legal, ethical and societal consideration (for example mitochondrial donation).

You will also develop an appreciation for the emotional and physical challenges experienced by patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, and complete a patient communication simulation to demonstrate patient empathy and support from the perspective of an embryologist when delivering results.