Success rates for GIFT and IVF procedures are often reported in terms of whether or not a pregnancy occurred. However, not all pregnancies will be carried to full term, with a live birth at the end. A number of risks are associated with reproductive technology procedures. Firstly, taking drugs to stimulate ovulation carries the risk of a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which results in over-enlargement of the ovaries. Symptoms may be mild or, in rare cases, severe.
Severe cases can lead to stroke and death.
Developments in reproductive technology are ongoing. The advent of these new technologies, however, raises many ethical and social concerns. Assisted reproductive technologies are extremely costly and largely accessible only to wealthier members of the community. Little public money is spent on investigation and prevention of infertility. Debate also persists about whether these technologies make it difficult for women to give up pursuing pregnancy, by placing pressure on infertile women to go to extreme lengths in order to have a baby.