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that experts suggest, especially if infertility stems from problems with a woman's fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes, which are vital to reproduction, are severely damaged, blocked or entirely absent, in vitro fertilization may be the answer. Endometriosis, cervical factor infertility, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders and unexplained fertility are other instances in which IVF is often used. Only about 5% of infertile couples utilize IVF techniques.

The success rates of this procedure are similar to that of natural pregnancies: 37% among women less than 35 years of age, 28% for women aged 36-39, and roughly 13% in women older than 40. Pregnancy is rare in women over the age of 44. The success rates of individual clinics providing in vitro fertilization are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site. Miscarriage rates with IVF are also similar to natural pregnancies (about 20%). A serious condition requiring emergency medical care, called ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 3-5% of IVF patients. In an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo grows outside the uterus and does not survive.

There are some risks to any ART procedure, including multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, bleeding or infection, low birth weight and birth defects.

Ovarian hyperstimulation, in which the ovaries become swollen and painful, is one of the most commonly cited risks of IVF. Despite it's common reference, the condition is actually rather rare and the side effects involved are usually mild. Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or a bloated sensation. In only 1% of cases, more severe symptoms occur, such as severe abdominal pain, severe nausea or vomiting, decreased urinary frequency, dark colored urine and shortness of breath. Severe cases can also be accompanied by a significant ten- pound weight gain over the course of only 3-5 days.

The process of egg retrieval and the use of laparoscopy that is sometimes involved with in vitro carries the normal risks associated with any anesthesia. Bleeding, infection and damage to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels can also occur during egg retrieval, but are rare. Less than one IVF patient of out 1,000 will need surgery to repair damage that occurred during the egg retrieval process.

Psychological stress and emotional problems are also often cited as a risk of in vitro fertilization. This is especially true in cases where the procedure is unsuccessful. IVF is generally

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