In Vitro Fertilization

Everything you should know about IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular fertility treatment that has helped many couples fulfill their fertility.

IVF treatment begins with stimulation of the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. For this, hormonal preparations are administered to control the cycle and stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The ovaries are monitored regularly to determine the number and size of the follicles.

Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a surgical procedure under anesthesia. The procedure is performed through the vagina, with a thin needle inserted into the ovaries.

The retrieved eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory with the partner's or a donor's sperm. The process can be done either by IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), depending on the cause of infertility.

The fertilized eggs are incubated in a special fluid to support embryo growth. After a few days, 1-2 embryos are usually implanted into the uterus.

Pregnancy usually occurs within two weeks after embryo transfer. After the transfer, hormone therapy is prescribed to support the pregnancy.

IVF treatment is an effective option for couples for whom other fertility treatments have been unsuccessful or who have a serious cause of infertility. However, it is a complex and expensive treatment and can be physically and emotionally stressful. Before deciding to undergo IVF treatment, couples should carefully weigh the pros and cons and seek advice from a reproductive medicine specialist.

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Embryo Glue

Embryo-Glue is a special gel used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to increase the chances of successful embryo implantation. The gel contains substances designed to improve adhesion between the embryo and the uterine lining.

During IVF or ICSI treatment, several embryos are usually created, only some of which are selected for implantation. The goal is to select the embryo with the best chance of successful implantation and transfer it to the uterus.

Embryo-Glue is usually applied to the uterus directly before implantation. The gel contains a mixture of hyaluronic acid, amino acids and other substances known to support adhesion between the embryo and the uterine lining.

Studies have shown that the use of Embryo-Glue can increase the implantation rate and increase the number of pregnancies. The gel may also be particularly useful for women with repeated implantation failures or poor embryo quality.

As with any fertility treatment, a thorough consultation with an experienced reproductive medicine specialist is essential. Embryo-Glue can be a promising option for couples who want to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

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Assisted Hatching

Hatching, also known as embryo hatching, is a procedure used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to increase the chances of successful embryo implantation. In this procedure, a small area of the embryo's outer layer, the zona pellucida, is selectively weakened or opened to make it easier for the developing embryo to break out of this shell and implant in the uterine lining. This technique is usually used in women who have had repeated unsuccessful implantation attempts or who have thickening of the zona pellucida.

There are different techniques of hatching, such as mechanical hatching by scratching the zona pellucida with a special needle or chemical hatching, where enzymes are used to soften the zona pellucida. Before the procedure, embryos are placed in an incubator in the laboratory to ensure a stable temperature and atmosphere. The use of hatching can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and is an option for couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally. However, it is important that the procedure is only performed by experienced professionals to minimize the risk of complications.

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Time-lapse

Time-lapse is a modern technology used in assisted reproduction that allows monitoring embryo growth in real time. In this process, a special incubation chamber is equipped with a camera that takes pictures of the embryo every few minutes. These images are then automatically compiled into a video showing the entire embryo development process. Continuous observation allows embryos to be selected that have the greatest potential for a successful pregnancy, as the embryo's development can be closely monitored. This can also reduce the number of embryos transferred to the uterus to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies. Time-lapse is a promising method to increase the success rate of assisted reproduction while reducing the risk of complications.

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Blastocyst culture

Blastocyst culture is an advanced technique used in assisted reproduction to transfer embryos at a later stage of development. Normally, embryos are cultured for 2-3 days after fertilization and then transferred to the woman's uterus. However, in blastocyst culture, embryos are cultured for 5-6 days until they reach the state of a blastocyst. A blastocyst is an embryo that consists of about 100 cells and is already preparing for implantation in the uterus. The longer cultivation allows the quality of the embryo to be assessed more accurately, as only those embryos that develop well can reach the blastocyst stage.

Blastocyst culture offers several advantages, including a higher pregnancy rate and a lower likelihood of multiple pregnancies. The longer cultivation time also allows genetic testing to be performed to identify embryos with genetic abnormalities. Another advantage is that blastocyst culture usually involves transferring only one or two embryos into the uterus to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Blastocyst culture is a promising technique that can increase the success rate of assisted reproduction by allowing physicians to more accurately assess and select embryos. However, this technique is not suitable for all patients and must be discussed individually with the physician.