Infertility is a common and unfortunate concern that affects numerous individuals worldwide. If you have tried conceiving for at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, you should consult a fertility specialist. Infertility could result from various factors, including structural anomalies, genetic disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Luckily, there are numerous solutions available today. One key player in reproductive medicine is an embryology lab Fort Worth. These specialized facilities study and manipulate human embryos to help couples achieve their dream of having a kid. Continue reading to discover the common procedures performed at an embryology lab.
1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a procedure where your fertility specialist extracts the woman’s ovaries and fertilizes them with sperm in a laboratory dish. Your provider will then implant the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus. IVF is one of the most commonly performed fertility treatments, and it has assisted millions of women worldwide in conceiving a kid.
2. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is an IVF treatment where your embryologist injects sperm straight into the egg. These treatments primarily help in treating male infertility. Your doctor will suggest an ICSI if you have poor sperm motility or a reduced sperm count.
3. Embryo Culture
Embryo culture is the procedure of developing embryos in a lab incubator for several days before transferring them to the uterus. The embryologist monitors the embryo’s development throughout this period to guarantee they are viable and healthy. Embryo culture is a vital step in the IVF procedure, and it requires top-level expertise and specialized equipment to execute.
4. Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is the procedure of freezing and storing embryos for future use. This procedure enables couples to undergo several IVF cycles without repeatedly enduring an egg retrieval procedure. If you do not want to start a family soon, you can decide to freeze your eggs until you are ready to conceive.
5. Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching is a procedure where your doctor makes a tiny hole in the outside layer of the embryo to assist the embryo in hatching and implantation in the uterus. Your provider will often suggest this procedure if the embryo’s outer layer is unusually thick or if the embryo has problems hatching by itself.
6. Embryo Biopsy
Embryo biopsy is a treatment where your doctor removes a tiny sample of cells from the embryo for genetic testing. This procedure is performed for various reasons, including testing for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders. By examining these crucial elements, your provider can determine your chances of enjoying a successful pregnancy.
7. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT is a form of genetic testing your doctor performs on the embryo before transferring it to the uterus. This procedure helps your embryologist spot chromosomal anomalies or genetic disorders, allowing them to identify the healthiest embryos for transfer. PGT is an increasingly crucial procedure in the IVF process as it has helped enhance the success rate of pregnancies.
Infertility could be a complex and emotionally challenging issue. Thankfully, reproductive medicine has come a long way in recent years, and there is currently a wide range of fertility procedures available that can assist couples in overcoming infertility. Embryology labs play a vital role in reproductive medicine. From In-Vitro fertilization, and Embryo biopsies to cryopreservation, and more, there are numerous treatments couples can explore to help with their infertility problems. Talk to your doctor about your unique concerns to determine the appropriate procedure for you.