Doctor explains how AI provides recommendations in IVF process

Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides recommendations to doctors to aid decision-making during the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) process, according to Prof. Dr. dr. Budi Wiweko, Sp. O.G, Subsp. F.E.R., MPH, FRANZCOG (Hons), FICRM.

“Now we can select sperm using technology, and the embryos are also cultured and selected using technology, with artificial intelligence,” Budi said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.

The obstetrician and gynaecologist, who subspecialises in reproductive endocrinology and fertility and is a graduate of the University of Indonesia, said AI can rapidly sort through very large volumes of data in a short time.

The chairman of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI) cited the example of ranking embryos to be implanted into the womb of a prospective mother.

The AI performs the best genetic selection from all available embryos, assessing cell division rhythm, normal chromosomes and quality. Each cell division rhythm is measured microscopically to objectively predict the highest implantation potential.

Beyond AI, Budi noted that the use of technology in IVF is becoming increasingly widespread with the advent of Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), a technology used to select and ensure embryos have normal chromosomes before implantation into the womb. PGT serves to eliminate embryos with severe congenital abnormalities.

There are also smart incubators that observe embryo division at all times using a form of time-lapse imaging, allowing continuous monitoring of embryo development rhythm without the need to remove the embryo, thereby keeping the temperature and surrounding environment stable.

Nevertheless, the doctor who practises at Pondok Indah Hospital stressed that AI only plays a role in providing recommendations. All actions and final decisions for patients remain with the treating doctor.

“We cannot tell a patient that AI made the decision. The decision-maker remains the doctor,” he said.

He emphasised that AI will never be able to replace the role of doctors, but doctors who do not learn about AI or keep up with technological developments will be left behind in providing services to the public.