Faced with increasing difficulties related to infertility, a surprising technology is emerging in laboratories: artificial intelligence (AI). But what role could it play in this field, which is still largely dependent on humans?
Infertility affects approximately one in six people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This growing issue highlights the importance of making treatments accessible and effective. Among these treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF), used since the 1980s, has become a leading method of assisted reproductive technology. Now, AI could disrupt its practices.
AI as a precision tool
At the London-based Avenues Clinic, AI is integrated into several essential steps of the IVF process. It analyzes sperm, eggs, and embryos to select the most promising ones. This selection is based on quality criteria assessed in real-time, such as movement or morphology. According to specialists, these tools enhance precision and increase the chances of success.
Embryologists at the clinic emphasize that AI acts as an assistant, optimizing the sorting of samples. However, final decisions remain in the hands of doctors, ensuring an ethical and personalized approach for each patient.
A potential impact on costs
IVF treatments are often lengthy and costly, with a success rate that may require multiple attempts. By reducing failures, AI could alleviate costs for patients. A successful first attempt would mean lower expenses related to these treatments, making assisted reproductive technology more accessible to a larger number of people.
However, these advancements still need to prove their effectiveness on a large scale. The benefits observed in clinics like Avenues Clinic remain promises for now, and further research is needed to fully assess their impact.
Testimonials and current limitations
Patients who have benefited from these innovations, such as Laura Farrell, report positive results. Pregnant after her first attempt, she believes AI is a major breakthrough in the field of fertility. Yet, she reminds us that access to these treatments remains limited due to discrimination or high costs.
Despite its potential, AI in IVF is still in its early stages. Specialists, like Dr. Ali Al Chami, emphasize caution. The goal is to ensure that every advancement is scientifically validated before widespread adoption.
A promising but uncertain future
AI could radically transform medical practices in fertility. Ongoing research aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of these tools. If the results are convincing, the combination of AI and IVF could become a standard in the coming decades.
This technological shift illustrates how science and medicine converge to address complex human issues. However, it remains to be defined how far automation can go without encroaching on the patient-doctor relationship.
To go further: How does AI assess embryo quality in IVF?
Artificial intelligence analyzes thousands of data points from microscopic images to assess embryo viability. It identifies parameters invisible to the human eye, such as internal movements or subtle abnormalities.
Complex algorithms allow embryos to be classified based on their implantation and development potential, increasing the chances of success from the first attempt.
By integrating these analyses into medical records, AI personalizes recommendations for each patient. This precision reduces selection errors and could minimize the risk of miscarriage or treatment failure.
This process, still evolving, requires rigorous clinical validation before being adopted on a large scale. Nevertheless, the initial results are promising for optimizing reproductive medicine.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND