In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most commonly used infertility treatment. In-vitro fertilization, also known as IVF, is a technique in which a woman’s eggs are extracted from her ovaries and fertilized in a laboratory with a man’s sperm; the resulting embryos are then placed back into her uterus. The treatment begins with an assessment and a few tests for both partners. Various options for IVF treatment are required for different couples.

Role of an Embryologist

During your reproductive journey, if you hear the phrase, “An embryologist is your child’s first babysitter,” you heard that right! Clinical embryologists in infertility treatment develop viable embryos that can be used in an IVF transfer or saved for later use. While you may only spend a little time with your embryology team, they work hard in the lab to ensure that your embryos develop normally!

Because of the specific nature of their work, embryologists are highly trained medical specialists who often hold a Master’s degree. They are responsible for the genetic materials (sperm and eggs) as they develop into embryos. They also seek to ensure that an embryology laboratory is safe for embryo development and storage. The most important activities that the embryologist carries out are:

The Embryology Lab’s Upkeep

The embryologist administers laboratory conditions that allow embryos to thrive. Therefore, any competent IVF laboratory must strictly regulate air quality, temperature, and humidity.

Egg extraction

Fluid is taken from the ovaries during egg retrieval. The eggs are contained in this fluid. The embryologist uses a microscope to analyze the fluid and identify and extract the eggs.

Examining for fertilization

The embryologist examines each egg under the microscope the next day after the sperm and eggs are mixed to check for fertilization (oocyte activation).

Monitoring and incubation

 The embryologist places the fertilized eggs in an incubator that is temperature and pH controlled to replicate the state of the uterus. These ideal conditions allow the fertilized egg to develop into an embryo. Then, the embryologist checks the embryos regularly and refills the culture material.

Genetic Analysis – (PGT-A, PGT-M & PGT-SR)

Embryologists also perform embryo biopsies to check for chromosomal abnormalities. A biopsy can be conducted on Day 3 or Day 5 of embryo development. A biopsy is performed on an embryo by removing a single cell on Day 3 or a few cells from the Trophectoderm on Day 5 while limiting the risk of damage.

Hatching with assistance

In a few circumstances, assisted hatching is indicated, in which the embryo’s outer shell, known as the zona pellucida, is thinned with a laser to enable implantation.

Embryo Transplantation

Embryologists choose the finest embryos and place them in the transfer catheter. This is then carefully turned over to the fertility professional, who will safely implant the embryos into the uterus.

Cryopreservation

During the IVF procedure, the embryologist is in charge of cryopreserving excess embryos. Any good-grade embryos not transplanted are identified and preserved for future use.

Providing Your Embryos with the Best Chance

For women, IVF embryo creation begins with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, which allows the ovaries to mature more than one egg to gather many eggs at once. Next, a physician uses a needle to penetrate the developed follicle and retrieve the fluid during the egg retrieval operation. Following this, the embryologist examines the fluid under a microscope to detect and separate any eggs contained therein.

A semen sample is collected by the man in a sterile container . After collecting a sample, it is transported to an embryologist for sperm washing, which removes all seminal fluid to differentiate the most healthy and mobile sperm.

Zivia IVF has the best embryologists

The expertise of a skilled embryologist in infertility treatment is vital to the success of IVF therapies. The skills stated here are complex, delicate and take years to master. However, a skilled embryologist could distinguish between successful and unsuccessful infertility therapies. Zivia IVF is renowned for having competent, highly trained, and committed clinical embryologists at each location.