Artificial Intelligence and Its Emerging Role in Fertility Treatments

Beginning the journey to parenthood can be both inspiring and challenging. For many, fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) play a vital role in turning the dream of a family into reality. It’s important to remember that infertility is a common issue – affecting about 1 in 6 people worldwide – which highlights that these struggles are not isolated but shared by millions ^​(1)​. Even though the process may feel overwhelming at times, modern technological advances are offering new ways to ease the burden and boost success rates. Today, Artificial intelligence (AI) shows potential to enhance aspects of fertility care. 

IVF involves several key steps:

• Hormone medications are given to help the ovaries recruit and develop multiple follicles so that several eggs can mature (ovarian stimulation). 

• Mature eggs are collected using a minor surgical procedure (Egg Retrieval). 

• Eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory to form embryos (Fertilization). 

• Embryos are carefully monitored for several days to assess their development (Embryo Culture). 

• A chosen embryo is gently placed into the uterus with the goal of initiating pregnancy (Embryo Transfer)​ ⁽²⁾​.

Despite its potential, IVF is not always successful, and the process can be emotionally and physically taxing. This is where AI has the potential to support more precise and successful IVF Treatments ​⁽³⁾​. 

AI can be an aid in identifying the most competent egg and sperm cells as well as embryos. This can reduce the time to achieve a pregnancy and the number of required medical procedures​ ⁽⁴⁾​.

With this enhanced precision, AI may contribute to reducing the time needed to achieve pregnancy and the number of required medical procedures. Successful implantation ultimately depends on the expertise of experienced embryologists, whose knowledge AI complements by providing additional, data-driven insights​ ⁽⁵⁾​. 

By examining individual hormonal profiles and medical histories, AI helps optimize several aspects of fertility treatment. This personalization refines medication dosages and treatment schedules, optimizing the response to ovarian stimulation and potentially improving outcomes​ ⁽⁶⁾​. Supported by our extensive portfolio of advanced fertility medications and one accompanying technical tool, clinicians have the resources they need to further fine-tune these protocols and enhance treatment success. It is important to highlight that AI-driven prediction tools could support individualized treatment timing and medication adjustments, yet these remain supportive decision aids, not autonomous systems​ ^(4)​. 

While AI can bring advances to fertility care, its use requires careful ethical oversight. According to Dr. Julian Koplin from the Monash Bioethics Centre

“AI assisting in decision-making about who comes into this world must be handled with the utmost care and respect."

Our approach is committed to marrying innovation with ethical responsibility while grounding our work in evidence and transparency. Acknowledging that most AI models are still in experimental phases, we maintain a realistic view of AI’s current capabilities​ ⁽⁴⁾​. 

Integrating AI into clinical practice requires robust datasets, sophisticated algorithms, and a solid regulatory framework to safeguard data privacy and ensure the ethical use of technology​ ⁽³⁾​. As research continues and AI combines with fields like genomics and personalized medicine, treatments might become even more tailored and effective​ ⁽⁷⁾​. 

For more than 100 years, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has contributed to breakthroughs in reproductive health, supporting the birth of over 6 million babies worldwide through its fertility products​ ⁽⁸⁾​. We provide the medications while allowing fertility experts to focus on helping families achieve their dreams. 

AI is reshaping the landscape of fertility care by bringing precision, personalized treatment, and proactive monitoring to the forefront of reproductive medicine​ ^(4)​. Through its ability to improve embryo selection, customize treatment protocols, and deliver real-time insights, AI can support dedicated healthcare professionals to create a more effective and reassuring experience​ ⁽⁴⁾​. Our commitment remains focused on empowering individuals on their journey toward building a family by making advanced treatments accessible and bringing hope to many aspiring parents. With continued innovation and compassionate care, the future of fertility treatments looks brighter for everyone seeking to nurture new life.

For more insights into how we are advancing fertility care through science, collaboration, and responsible innovation, visit our dedicated fertility page.

Disclaimer: Various laws, regulations, opinions, and ethical considerations govern the methods and techniques used in fertility treatments, including the permissibility of these practices. As a result, not all techniques mentioned in this article may be permissible in every country. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany respects the laws, regulations, opinions, and ethical standards of each country worldwide. Please check with your doctor about the laws in your country. 

[1] WHO. who.int. 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO. [Online] April 4, 2023. https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility.

[2] Embryo transfer—the who, what, when, how, and why does it matter? Danielle Strom, Eve C. Feinberg. Issue 5, s.l. : Fertility and Sterility, 2022, Vol. 118.

[3] Does artificial intelligence have a role in the IVF clinic? Darren J X Chow, Philip Wijesinghe, Kishan Dholakia, Kylie R Dunning. 2021, Reproduction and Fertility, pp. C29–C34.

[4] Artificial intelligence in in-vitro fertilization (IVF): A new era of precision and personalization in fertility treatments. David B. Olawade, Jennifer Teke, Khadijat K. Adeleye, Kusal Weerasinghe, Momudat Maidoki, Aanuoluwapo Clement David-Olawade. 2025, Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction. ​

[5] Artificial intelligence in assisted reproductive technology: separating the dream from reality. Jacques Cohen, Giuseppe Silvestri, Omar Paredes, Hector E. Martin-Alcala, Alejandro Chavez-Badiola, Mina Alikani, Giles A. Palmer. 2025, Reproductive Biomedicine Online.

[6] Applications of artificial intelligence in ovarian stimulation: a tool for improving efficiency and outcomes. Eduardo Hariton, Zoran Pavlovic, Michael Fanton, Victoria S. Jiang. 1, s.l. : Elsevier, 2023, Vol. 120. 

[7] The prospect of artificial intelligence to personalize assisted reproductive technology. Simon Hanassab, Ali Abbara, Arthur C. Yeung, Margaritis Voliotis, Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Tom W. Kelsey, Geoffrey H. Trew, Scott M. Nelson, Thomas Heinis & Waljit S. Dhillo. s.l. : npj Digital Medicine, 2024.

[8] Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Annual Report 2024. emdgroup.com. [Online] 2024. [Cited: March 10, 2026.] https://www.emdgroup.com/investors/reports-and-financials/earnings-materials/2024-q4/us/2024-Q4-Report-NA.pdf.