Infertility is a major problem that affects many individuals worldwide. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that has been used to treat infertility since it was first successfully applied in 1978.

What is IVF?

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves the fertilization of eggs outside the female body.

The process involves removing mature eggs from the woman’s ovary, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the resulting embryo to the woman’s uterus.

Recent Innovations in IVF Fertilization

Over the years, there have been several innovations that have improved the success rate of IVF fertilization. Here are some of the recent innovations:.

1. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

PGT is a technology that allows for the screening of embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. The technology helps to identify any genetic abnormalities in the embryo.

With PGT, doctors can select the healthiest embryos for transfer, increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

2. Time-lapse imaging

Time-lapse imaging is a technology that allows doctors to monitor the development of embryos in real-time. The technology involves placing the embryos in a special incubator that takes images of them every few minutes.

The images are then stitched together to create a video that allows doctors to closely monitor the development of the embryos.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

AI and ML have been used in IVF to improve the selection of the best embryos for transfer. The technology uses algorithms to analyze images of embryos and predict which ones are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

4. Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

FET is a procedure that involves freezing embryos for future use. The technology has significantly improved the success rate of IVF fertilization. With FET, doctors can freeze excess embryos from a single IVF cycle and transfer them in the future.

This increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

5. In-vitro maturation (IVM)

IVM is a procedure that involves maturing eggs outside the female body. The technology has been used to treat women who have difficulty producing mature eggs. With IVM, immature eggs are collected from the ovary and matured in a laboratory dish.

The matured eggs are then fertilized with sperm and transferred to the uterus.

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6. Natural cycle IVF

Natural cycle IVF is a procedure that involves collecting the woman’s naturally produced egg without the use of fertility drugs. The procedure is used to treat women who do not produce a lot of eggs or who have a low ovarian reserve.

With natural cycle IVF, the egg is collected during the woman’s natural menstrual cycle, and the fertilization and transfer are done without the use of any drugs.

7. Artificial ovary

Recent research has shown promising results in the creation of an artificial ovary. The technology involves creating an artificial ovary using a scaffold filled with live human cells.

The technology could potentially be used to treat women who have had their ovaries removed due to cancer or other medical conditions.

8. 3D-printed ovaries

3D-printing technology has been used to create artificial ovaries. The technology involves creating a scaffold using a 3D printer and then filling it with ovarian cells.

The technology has shown promising results in restoring fertility in women who have lost ovarian function due to cancer treatment.

9. Sperm sorting

Sperm sorting is a technology that allows doctors to select the healthiest sperm for use in IVF.

The technology involves separating the healthy sperm from the unhealthy ones using a machine that separates the sperm based on their shape, size, and DNA content.

10. EmbryoScope

The EmbryoScope is a special microscope that allows doctors to better monitor the development of embryos. The device takes images of the embryo every few minutes and creates a video that allows doctors to closely monitor the development of the embryo.

The device has been shown to improve the success rate of IVF fertilization.

Conclusion

The recent innovations in IVF fertilization have significantly improved the success rate of the procedure.

The technologies have improved the selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer, the monitoring of the development of embryos, and the restoration of fertility in women who have lost ovarian function. These innovations have given hope to many couples struggling with infertility.