Frequently Asked Questions

Asherman’s Syndrome, also known as intrauterine adhesions, is a condition characterised by the formation of scar tissue inside the uterus. This scar tissue can lead to adhesions or fibrous bands that can obstruct the uterine cavity and interfere with implantation and pregnancy. Asherman’s Syndrome can develop due to previous uterine surgeries, including dilation and curettage (D&C;) or infections. It is a potential cause of infertility in women and requires medical intervention to restore normal uterine function.

Blastocyst culture does not increase the risk of multiples (twins, triplets) compared to traditional Day 2 or Day 3 embryo transfer. Blastocyst transfer reduces the chance of multiple pregnancies by allowing embryologists to select one healthiest embryos for transfer. By transferring high-quality embryo, the chances of a single, successful pregnancy is maximised while minimising the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. Blastocyst culture, in combination with PGT, provides individuals and couples with a safer and more controlled approach to achieving their dream of parenthood.

Blastocyst transfer significantly impacts the number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle. By allowing embryos to develop until the blastocyst stage, embryologists can accurately assess their quality and select the healthiest embryos for transfer. This process enables them to transfer fewer embryos while maintaining high success rates. The ability to transfer single embryo reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies, which is associated with increased complications for both the mother and the babies. Blastocyst transfer provides individuals and couples a more controlled and safer approach to achieving a successful pregnancy.

The success rates of blastocyst transfer vary and depend on various factors, including the quality of the embryos, the age of the woman, and the specific circumstances of the individual or couple. However, studies have shown that blastocyst transfer generally results in higher pregnancy rates than traditional Day 2 or Day 3 embryo transfer. By allowing embryos to develop until the blastocyst stage, embryologists can select the healthiest embryos for transfer, increasing the possibility of successful implantation and pregnancy. The success rates of blastocyst transfer continue to improve with advancements in reproductive technology and the use of PGT.

Blastocyst transfer offers several advantages over traditional embryo transfer. By allowing embryos to develop for a more extended period, fertility specialists can accurately assess the quality of the embryos and select the healthiest ones for transfer. It improves the likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy. Blastocyst transfer also reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies, as embryologistss can transfer a smaller number of high-quality embryos. Furthermore, blastocyst transfer provides a more natural and physiologically appropriate timeframe for embryo development, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

Blastocyst transfer differs from traditional Day 2 or Day 3 embryo transfer in terms of embryo development stage at the time of transfer. In traditional embryo transfer, embryos are transferred into the uterus on either Day 2 or Day 3 after fertilisation, when they are still in the early stages of development. In contrast, blastocyst transfer involves transferring embryos on Day 5 or 6, when they have reached the blastocyst stage of development. This extended culture period allows embryologists to select the healthiest embryos with a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy.

Blastocyst culture is used in IVF to improve the selection process of embryos for transfer. By allowing embryos to develop longer, embryologists can identify the embryos with the highest chances of successful implantation and pregnancy. Blastocyst culture provides a more accurate assessment of embryo quality, as only the embryos that have reached the blastocyst stage are selected for transfer. This technique increases the success rates of IVF treatments and reduces the chance of multiple pregnancies by transferring a smaller number of high-quality embryos.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Specially prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Fertilization happens inside the body.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm outside the body, in a lab. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.

Blastocyst culture is a laboratory method used during IVF treatments to allow embryos to develop for a more extended period before transfer. We perform blastocyst transfer to increase the chances of implantation. Additionally, if the embryo can reach the blastocyst level in the lab, it is considered to be genetically viable, which improves the pregnancy rate and allows for single embryo transfer.

Below are some important questions to ask your doctor about IVF:
– Why is IVF particularly suggested for me?
– What are my personal chances of success with IVF (based on age, diagnosis, etc.)?
– What is the estimated cost of one complete cycle, including medications and procedures?
– What are the potential risks and side effects of the medications and procedures?
– How many embryos do you recommend transferring and why?
– What is the clinic’s success rate for cases like mine?
– What support services (e.g., counselling) are available?

Common medications used in IVF include:
– Ovarian Stimulation Drugs: Help the ovaries produce multiple eggs (e.g., FSH, hMG).
– Ovulation Prevention Drugs: Prevent premature ovulation (e.g., GnRH agonists or antagonists).
– Trigger Shot: Stimulates final egg maturation before retrieval (e.g., hCG).
– Progesterone: Prepares the uterine lining for embryo implantation and supports early pregnancy.

The number of injections depends on your treatment plan. Typically, 1 to 2 injections per day are required for about 8–12 days during the ovarian stimulation phase. Progesterone support may continue for several weeks through injections or alternative methods like pessaries or gels.

Yes, PICSI significantly enhances embryo quality. This is evidenced by higher implantation potential and a reduced risk of aneuploidies, which are abnormalities in chromosome numbers.

– Injections: May cause mild stinging or bruising at the site.
– Egg Retrieval: Done under sedation or light anesthesia, typically pain-free. Some cramping may occur afterward.
– Embryo Transfer: A quick and usually painless procedure, similar to a Pap smear. Some women may feel mild cramping.

Research comparing PICSI with standard ICSI using sibling oocytes has shown that PICSI achieves significantly higher fertilisation rates, improves rates of embryos suitable for transfer, and produces a greater number of high-quality embryos.

IVF success rates vary based on age, cause of infertility, embryo quality, and clinic expertise. Women under 35 generally have a 60–70% success rate per cycle. Success rates decline with age. Your fertility specialist can provide individual success estimates.

PICSI operates by exposing sperm to hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring compound in the human body. The process identifies sperm that can bind to HA, and these are then selected for use in fertility treatments.

The number of IVF cycles needed varies per person. Some achieve pregnancy in the first cycle, while others may require multiple cycles. Your doctor will evaluate your response and outcomes from the first cycle to plan further treatment.

The primary benefit of PICSI is its advanced method for selecting the best sperm. This technique enables embryologists to differentiate between mature and immature sperm. Mature sperm have fully developed and are less likely to contain damaged DNA or an incorrect number of chromosomes, making them preferable for use in treatments.

– Physically: You will likely get your period, which may be heavier than usual. Hormonal levels will gradually return to normal.
– Emotionally: A failed IVF cycle can be emotionally tough. Feelings of sadness, anger, or grief are common. Emotional support or counselling is recommended.

The overall risk of birth defects in IVF babies is low and comparable to naturally conceived babies. Some studies suggest a slight increase in specific conditions, possibly linked to the cause of infertility rather than IVF itself. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can help screen embryos.

An IVF pregnancy is generally considered safer after a fetal heartbeat is confirmed via ultrasound, typically around 6–7 weeks. After the first trimester (around 12 weeks), IVF pregnancies are managed similarly to natural pregnancies, though your doctor may recommend additional monitoring.

The main difference is how fertilization occurs. In IVF, sperm and eggs are mixed for natural fertilization. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into the egg by an embryologist.

No, IUI is generally not painful. Some women may experience mild, temporary cramping during or after the procedure. The entire process is quick and usually completed within a few minutes.

ICSI is generally safe. Possible risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred, and very rare chances of egg damage during injection, especially minimized when performed by skilled embryologists.