Category Archives: IVF
Key Roles of Embryology in the IVF Process
Embryology is key to pregnancy success through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology because it is the study of an embryo from the first stage of fertilization through fetal development. High quality embryos have the highest chance of implantation into a woman’s uterine lining resulting in a successful pregnancy. After egg retrieval, one or two healthy embryos are transferred after a fresh IVF cycle. Excess embryos culturing in vitro are cryopreserved for future pregnancies through Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET).
Embryology Roles in the IVF Process
- HRSS – High Resolution Sperm Selection
- ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
- Assisted Hatching
- In Vitro Maturation
- EmbryoScope
AT THE TOP OF the IVF ‘GAME’
I wanted to share a recent trip I took for a meeting in Dubai. I was giving a lecture on our recent success producing the world’s first baby from 3-parent IVF and our advancements to OOCYTE and EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION (egg freezing) using VITRIFICATION. While there, however, a nice detour led me to the Camel Research Center in Dubai.Read more: AT THE TOP OF the IVF ‘GAME’
How Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Managed During IVF?
In continuing to post about some of my unique and interesting cases, this article will address my standard practice of care in the treatment of patients who are suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) after undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Read more: How Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Managed During IVF?
Under what circumstances do I need IVF treatment?
At New Hope Fertility Center in New York, I have encountered a few couples who, after a few years of trying to conceive and no infertility tests done, come and tell me that they wanted to do and are ready for an IVF treatment. When this situation happens, we explain to patients that not all infertile couples need to do IVF. First, we will need to check the semen quality. If it is poor quality, the woman does not need to have a tubal patency test undergoing IVF treatment. If the semen quality is poor, the sperm does not have the ability to naturally fertilize the egg. On the other hand, if the semen quality is good, the woman will need to have a tubal patency test. If the tubes are normal, they may consider artificial insemination; if the tubes are abnormal (or blocked), they may need IVF treatment.
Read more: Under what circumstances do I need IVF treatment?
What does it mean to have the best in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?
With IVF treatment, best treatment does not exist; only the most appropriate treatment is available from a leading medical provider. The IVF treatment program most suitable to your individual needs is considered the best treatment.
Read more: What does it mean to have the best in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?
4 Pros and Cons of PGD
During in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, doctors have a number of tools at their disposal to increase success rates. One of these tools is preimplantation genetic diagnosis, commonly referred to as PGD. PGD is a method of testing embryos during IVF treatment to determine if an embryo has a genetic disease or chromosomal defect. Both of these issues can result in pregnancy loss, so transferring healthy embryos is ideal to increase the likelihood of a live birth and healthy child.
Pick Of The Month: Why Natural and Minimal Stimulation Protocols are the Future of Fertility and What They Are/How They are Different
It is common for people to think of fertility medication when they are considering seeking professional help to start a family. While fertility medication may have been necessary in the past for in vitro fertilization, that is no longer the case. Individuals who have a holistic lifestyle or who wish to limit or avoid fertility medications now have options for treatment. Minimal stimulation and natural IVF protocols have success rates similar to that of traditional IVF without the side effects.
Read more: Pick Of The Month: Why Natural and Minimal Stimulation Protocols are the Future of Fertility and What They Are/How They are Different
Rescue IVF-New Hope will save your cycle when others can’t or won’t
I have been doing more and more Rescue IVF procedures. Rescue IVF is a catch all phrase for any situation where your cycle is in jeopardy of failure. This covers several different scenarios including:
- Having started a conventional IVF cycle but only 1 or 2 Follicles develop. Since IVF is recommended when you have 3 or more follicles and you have already taken and/or purchased your medication, rather than abandoning your cycle, I recommend a rescue IUI procedure
- You are ready to begin triggering or a procedure and your clinic closes
- You may be doing a Natural IVF cycle and are ovulating but your clinic only performs retrievals at a specific time during the day, which may not be optimal for your cycle
- You have lost faith in your Dr. or her fertility clinic mid-cycle
Regardless of the reasons you may need a Rescue IVF cycle, and for anyone who is changing fertility clinics and doctors, here are some tips to make the transition easier. It would be ideal (but not necessary) if you could:
Organize your previous cycle information, this will allow your new doctors to be more effective and efficient
- Request a copy of your IVF lab results and Infectious Disease results from your previous fertility center. Your full medical documents aren’t required
- Bring a list of the medications you are taking and have been prescribed
- Bring a list of the medications you currently have
- If you are using frozen or donor sperm, please get preliminary information about how to transfer the vials to your new clinic. NOTE THAT IT MAY TAKE UP TO 3 DAYS TO ARRANGE THE PROPER TRANSFER.
One of the Best Fertility Doctors in New York
Finding the right fertility doctor is one of the most important steps of your fertility journey. Your chosen doctor will be your partner in the journey to parenthood. Selecting the right doctor will help to ensure that your needs are met and that you are treated as an individual. For personalized attention, a focus on continual improvement, and a high success rate, the best doctor in NYC is Dr. John Zhang.
Evidence of Dr. Zhang’s expertise and dedication to patient success can be seen in the following:
Explaining the Benefits of Various Fertility Treatment Options
Many people begin fertility care unsure of where they should begin. Although there are a vast number of fertility treatment options available, they are not well suited for everyone. Knowing the benefits of various fertility treatments can help you start a dialogue with your fertility care team.
Read more: Explaining the Benefits of Various Fertility Treatment Options
