A married couple seeks medical advice for infertility. Clinical evaluation reveals that the male partner has a very low sperm count in his ejaculates. The female partner has bilaterally blocked fallopian tubes, but her uterus is normal and capable of supporting a pregnancy. Which of the following Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is the most appropriate and viable option for this couple?

Step-by-step solution

The male partner has a very low sperm count, which typically requires Artificial Insemination (AI), Intra-uterine insemination (IUI), or Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). However, the female partner has bilaterally blocked fallopian tubes. This anatomical barrier prevents natural in-vivo fertilisation, meaning AI, IUI, and Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) will be unsuccessful because the sperm and ovum cannot meet. Furthermore, Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT) is not viable because the early emb