When you seek infertility treatment, you are most likely to visit the embryology lab. It involves the preparation for your fertility journey and taking care of your embryos until implantation. Understanding the uses and procedures involved in the embryology lab Fort Worth can help you prepare psychologically for the fertility journey.
The following are common procedures that occur in an embryology lab.
Semen analysis
Your fertility specialist must look at the health and motility of your sperm. The analysis will help them understand why it is difficult for you and your partner to get pregnant. The test will help diagnose any issues regarding sperm quality and count.
In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the best fertility methods you can undergo if you face fertility problems. The procedure involves the fertilization of an egg outside your body. The fertilized egg can be stored in a test tube until it matures into an embryo and then implanted into your womb.
In other instances, the fertilized egg is placed in a unique device and then in your vagina for five days. Your specialist will then remove and examine the embryos and decide which ones are best for implantation.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the process of injecting healthy sperm into an egg to fertilize it. Your fertility specialist will use the ICSI procedure in case of male infertility. In some cases, the specialist might surgically extract the sperm from the man.
Embryo biopsy
Your fertility specialist must carry out an embryo biopsy procedure to check for abnormalities in the embryo. The process takes place after three days following fertilization of the egg. Your specialist will extract two cells out of the eight-cell embryo.
Embryo biopsy looks at the number of chromosomes in an embryo. If the chromosomes are 46, the embryo is normal. If they are not 46, the embryo is abnormal.
Assessment of embryo quality
Your specialist will assess embryo quality to determine which embryos are the best for transfer. The procedure determines which embryos to transfer, the appropriate number of embryos to transfer, and the day of transfer.
The procedure is accessible to individuals undergoing IVF and helps improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Vitrification
Considering that assisted methods of fertility require egg or embryo preservation, the procedure must be conducive to the eggs and embryos. Vitrification involves the preservation of the embryos in liquid nitrogen without the risk of crystal formation.
If the eggs and embryos are not stored accordingly, they will freeze and lose their viability. The fast-freezing process will help preserve the embryos until you are ready for implantation.
Before your specialist can implant the embryo into your womb, they must ensure that they use the best and most viable embryos. That is why the above processes are essential.
If you are struggling with infertility, visit CARE Fertility center for different treatment options. You will meet qualified and compassionate staff ready to offer suitable treatment depending on your situation. Call or book an appointment online.