Infertility affects millions of couples globally, leading to significant interest in both understanding its causes and developing effective treatments. It’s essential for couples to consult with fertility specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their specific situation.
The progressive evolution in the clinical management of IVF treatments since the early 1980s has paved the way for more successful outcomes. By 2018, this progress was evident, as over 1 million treatment cycles were reported by 1,422 clinics providing ART services in 39 European nations. Such growth is the result of multiple contributors, from the incorporation of ART procedures to enhanced focus on patient care. As we delve deeper into the digital era, the clinical management of IVF faces the challenge of integrating automated methods to centralize patient care even more.
Recent global reviews, such as the one cited from May 2023, underscore the significant strides made in the IVF sector through AI and digital interventions. From modern equipment to mobile applications, technology suppliers have expanded the horizons for patients and healthcare providers during the entirety of the IVF process.
Recognizing this shift, the European Fertility Society undertook the initiative of crafting a comprehensive questionnaire. The aim of this study was to gather a holistic understanding of the extent and impact of AI and digital technology usage across fertility clinics.
ABSTRACT SUMMARY
Fertility 2025 – Reproduction: Facts, Myths and Evidence.
8–11 January 2025, ACC Liverpool.
The joint conference of the Association of Reproductive & Clinical Scientists, the British Fertility Society, and the Society for Reproduction & Fertility.
The abstract was published in Human Fertility: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14647273.2025.2466874
Title: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technology in fertility clinics: current practices, willingness and intentions for future implementation.
Objectives: AI-based technologies in ART have gained growing interest worldwide in recent years. Their potential use across several treatment stages—including gamete analysis, embryo selection, and prognostic predictions—has rapidly evolved. These tools are increasingly seen as supporting clinical decision-making, enhancing patient-centred care, and improving operational efficiency and pregnancy outcomes. However, there is limited evidence on how they are currently used or intended to be adopted across clinics globally.
Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was disseminated via the European Fertility Society website, mailing list, and social media between February–August 2024.
Eligibility: individuals working within a fertility clinic.
Survey assessed clinic location, treatments offered, current and intended AI use, and perceived benefits and barriers to implementation.
Results: Of 292 respondents, 167 (57.2%) completed at least 50% of the survey.
Clinics were mainly in Europe (47.9%) and Asia (26.3%), with some in North America.
Most offered IVF/ICSI (86.8%).
AI use was highest in pre-treatment (75.4%) and administrative areas (64.1%), including patient portals, telemedicine, education, and consent.
High usage was reported in embryology labs (74.9%) for timelapse imaging, AI-based embryo and gamete selection, LIMS, and electronic witnessing.
Less than half used AI in ovarian stimulation (40.7%) or generative AI (24.8%).
Reported benefits: better data management (53.1%), improved communication (51.0%), increased satisfaction (48.3%), reduced errors (48.3%), improved scheduling (46.3%), and success rates (39.5%).
Challenges: integration with existing systems (48.3%), cost (40.8%), tech uncertainty (32.0%), data/privacy concerns (29.3%), and staff readiness (28.6%).
Future Intentions (top planned uses):
Mobile apps: 54.55%
AI for embryo selection: 54.55%
Patient portals, E-consent, telemedicine: each 45.45%
Digital education: 38.18%
LIMS and electronic witnessing: 27.27%
Watch Julie Morgan, PhD Researcher, MSc, RGN, APM (PFQ), the European Fertility Society’s Education Committee Chair, as she presents our survey results at the Fertility 2025 Conference. The video is available in the Members Area after logging in: https://www.europeanfertilitysociety.com/resources/