At IVF point, we offer world class IVF and fertility solutions to make you reach your parenthood goals in the most viable manner. Here, you can stay assured of getting the following treatment and solutions under the expert guidance of our ART professionals.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a procedure where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory,
and then the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. Moreover, the entire process works as follows:
Ovarian Stimulation
The woman undergoing IVF receives fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This is done to increase the chances of successful fertilization and the development of viable embryos.
Egg Retrieval
Once the follicles have reached an optimal size, an egg retrieval procedure is performed. Under sedation or anesthesia, a needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovaries, and the eggs are gently aspirated from the follicles using suction. Besides, this procedure is typically guided by ultrasound imaging.
Fertilization
In the laboratory, the eggs and sperm are combined for fertilization. There are two main methods for fertilization:
a. Conventional IVF: The retrieved eggs and the processed sperm are placed together in a culture dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally.
b. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): In cases where there may be male factor infertility or a low likelihood of successful fertilization, a single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg using a microscopic needle.
Embryo Transfer
Once the embryos have reached an appropriate stage of development (usually around 3 to 5 days after fertilization), one or more embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus. The procedure is performed using a thin catheter that is passed through the cervix and into the uterus, guided by ultrasound imaging.
Monitoring and Follicle Growth
Throughout the ovarian stimulation phase, the woman's progress is monitored through ultrasound scans and hormone level assessments. Moreover, these tests help determine the growth and development of the ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs.
Sperm Collection
On the same day as the egg retrieval, the intended father or a sperm donor provides a semen sample. Afterwards, the semen sample is processed in the laboratory to isolate healthy and motile sperm.
Embryo Development
After fertilization, the embryos are monitored and allowed to develop in the laboratory for a few days. During this time, the embryos undergo cell division and growth.
Embryo Cryopreservation
If there are additional viable embryos that are not transferred, they can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use in subsequent IVF cycles, if desired.
Pregnancy Test
Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to check for the presence of pregnancy hormones (such as beta-hCG). If the test is positive, it indicates a successful pregnancy.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a procedure used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) where previously cryopreserved (frozen) embryos are thawed and transferred into a woman’s uterus. Besides, FET is commonly performed as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment or in cases where surplus embryos from a previous IVF cycle are frozen for future use.
Frozen Embryo Transfer offers several advantages, including:
Increased flexibility in timing
The ability to freeze embryos allows for better synchronization between the woman's natural cycle and the transfer cycle, providing more flexibility and convenience.
Higher success rates
FET outcomes have been shown to be comparable to or even slightly better than fresh embryo transfers in some cases, as the uterus may be in a more receptive state after the hormonal preparation.
Multiple transfer attempts
If the first FET cycle is unsuccessful, there is the opportunity to try again with other frozen embryos from the same IVF cycle without undergoing another complete stimulation and retrieval cycle.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
PGT involves screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. There are two types: PGT-A (for aneuploidy screening) and PGT-M (for monogenic/single gene disorders).
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI)
IMSI is a modified version of ICSI that uses high-magnification microscopy to select sperm with optimal morphology for injection into the egg. Moreover, IMSI is primarily used when there are concerns about male factor infertility, such as poor sperm quality or previous failed fertilization attempts with standard ICSI.
By selecting sperm with improved morphological characteristics under high magnification, IMSI aims to increase the chances of successful fertilization and improve embryo quality, ultimately enhancing the overall success rate of the IVF cycle.
It’s important to note that not all fertility clinics offer IMSI, and its use may depend on the specific circumstances of each individual or couple. Additionally, a thorough evaluation by a fertility specialist at IVF point will help determine if IMSI is an appropriate option and provide personalized guidance based on the specific needs and fertility challenges of the couple.
Assisted Embryo Hatching
Assisted hatching is a procedure where a small hole is made in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of an embryo to aid in its implantation in the uterus. In some cases, the zona pellucida can become hardened or thickened, making it more difficult for the embryo to naturally hatch and attach to the uterine lining. This can be due to factors such as advanced maternal age, previous failed IVF cycles, or certain embryo quality issues.
Moreover, there are several techniques used for assisted embryo hatching, including:
- Mechanical Assisted Hatching: A small hole or thin slit is created in the zona pellucida using a microtool, such as a glass needle or laser. This mechanical intervention helps the embryo to break through the zona pellucida.
- Chemical Assisted Hatching: Certain chemicals or enzymes, such as Tyrode’s solution or Pronase, are applied to the zona pellucida to thin or weaken it, facilitating the embryo’s hatching process.
- Laser Assisted Hatching: A focused laser beam is used to create a precise opening or thinning of the zona pellucida. Laser technology offers greater control and precision in creating the desired opening.
That said, assisted hatching is typically performed on the day of embryo transfer or shortly before it. Besides, the exact timing depends on the specific protocols and preferences of the fertility clinic.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
GIFT involves transferring eggs and sperm into the fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur naturally inside the body.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
ZIFT is similar to IVF, but the fertilized embryos are transferred into the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus.Donor Egg IVF
Donor egg IVF involves using eggs from a donor to be fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm. The resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier.
Intended parents may use donor egg IVF in case the intended mother is witnessing certain issues with the quality or the quantity of her eggs. Moreover, in case she is dealing with a health complication and cannot use her eggs for the IVF treatment, she can opt for donor egg IVF at IVF point.
Donor Sperm
Donor sperm is used in cases where male infertility factors are present, or for same-sex female couples or single women who require assisted reproduction. Talking about male infertility factors, these could be related to the quality or quantity of the sperm.
So, once the individual connects with our experts at IVF point, we will make them go through certain diagnosis and tests. Based on the results, a person would be recommended donor sperm IVF by our experts. Moreover, the intended parents can select the best donor sperm from our pool of donors.
PGD and PGS
PGD stands for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, and PGS stands for Preimplantation Genetic Screening. Both PGD and PGS are techniques used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to screen embryos for specific genetic abnormalities before implantation. While they share similarities, there are some differences between the two:
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD):
PGD is primarily used to diagnose specific genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. Besides, PGD is typically recommended when one or both parents carry a known genetic condition or have a high risk of passing on a genetic disorder to their offspring. Also, it can help identify embryos that are free from the targeted genetic condition for transfer.
During IVF, after the embryos have reached a certain stage of development (usually around Day 5 or 6), a few cells are biopsied from each embryo. These cells are then analyzed using various genetic testing methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Moreover, the analysis aims to identify embryos that do not carry the specific genetic mutation or disorder of concern.
That said, PGD allows couples at risk of passing on genetic diseases to have a greater chance of having a healthy child without the specific genetic condition.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS):
PGS is used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes). Besides, it helps identify embryos with a normal chromosomal composition for transfer, increasing the likelihood of successful implantation and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
Also, PGS is commonly recommended for couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, or previous IVF failures. It can also be used in cases where the intention is to select embryos with a normal chromosomal profile, such as in elective single embryo transfer (eSET) to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Similar to PGD, the embryos undergo biopsy to obtain a few cells for genetic analysis. That said, PGS employs advanced genetic screening techniques, such as array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, or NGS, to evaluate the chromosomal composition of the embryos.
On the other hand, PGS increases the chances of implantation and reduces the risk of miscarriage by identifying embryos with a normal chromosomal makeup.
Both PGD and PGS involve the biopsy of embryos, which is an invasive procedure. It’s essential to work closely with a fertility specialist or genetic counselor to determine whether PGD or PGS is suitable for your specific situation and to fully understand the benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with these techniques.
Endometrial CoCulture
Endometrial co-culture, also known as endometrial scratching or endometrial biopsy, is a technique used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to improve embryo implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. It involves obtaining a small sample of the woman’s endometrial tissue and culturing it in the laboratory alongside the embryos. Here’s an overview of endometrial co-culture:
The goal of endometrial co-culture is to create a favorable uterine environment for embryo implantation. Besides, the endometrial tissue sample is collected to provide factors and signals that can enhance embryo-endometrial interactions and increase the chances of successful implantation.
Moreover, Endometrial co-culture is typically performed during an IVF cycle prior to embryo transfer. Besides, the specific timing may vary depending on the protocols and preferences of the fertility clinic or reproductive specialist.
During the process, a small biopsy or scraping of the endometrial lining is obtained using a thin catheter or a special instrument. The procedure is typically performed in the clinic or operating room under local anesthesia or mild sedation. The collected tissue sample is immediately transferred to the laboratory.
In the laboratory, the collected endometrial tissue sample is cultured in a special growth medium, often alongside the embryos. The endometrial cells release various factors and substances that can support embryo development and implantation.
The embryos obtained through IVF are then cultured in the same dish or well as the endometrial tissue sample. Also, the close proximity allows for potential interactions between the embryos and the endometrial cells, creating an environment that more closely resembles the natural uterus.
Why Choose IVF POINT?
Regardless of the IVF treatment and fertility solution you are looking for, we at IVF point can assure you of best guidance and support all along during your fertility journey. With more than two decades of experience at their back, our experts can suggest the most viable treatment for your respective fertility issues. So, don’t wait, simply connect with our coordinators today!
