Additional services
Additional techniques can also increase the chances of successful treatment.
In cases where there is a complete absence of sperm in the semen, for example, vas deferens blockage or malfunction of semen production in the testes, sperm can be obtained by surgical procedure from the epididymis or testis.
In some cases, infertility is due also to the fact that the shell of the egg – and subsequently also embryonic shell – is thickened. Fertilization as a first step is made more difficult (remedied by ICSI), but also the second step, the "hatching" of the embryo, which must be done before implantation.
In "assisted hatching" the shell of the embryo is thinned, selectively by laser, so that, when the time comes, the embryo can easily leave its shell.
The proper preparation of the endometrium for implantation is essential for the onset of pregnancy. In addition to hormonal factors, some contributing elements may also stem from the seminal fluid. A number of studies have shown that treatment of the endometrium with processed semen (seminal plasma rinse) often has a positive effect on pregnancy rates in IVF.
The term "embryo glue" also refers to an implantation aid. A special combination of substances which is added to the embryo transfer media, increases the embryo's ability to attach itself inside the uterine cavity. This process can significantly improve pregnancy rate, namely when special basic conditions are present.
In some cases, the endometrium is very thin – too thin for successful implantation of the embryo – and cannot be stimulated to grow by the administration of hormones. In such cases a special treatment of the endometrium with growth factors can lead to a desired result.
We recognize the great physical and psychological stress of one or more miscarriages and here at Döbling Fertility Center we have developed a diagnostic program designed to find possible reasons and their potential causes.
In collaboration with national and international research centers, we analyze blood samples and examine small sections of the endometrium.
In the blood analysis we look for abnormalities such as clotting disorders or immune system problems.
The endometrium is examined for NK cells and plasma cells.
Some IVF patients may experience recurrent implantation failure due to an altered timing of the window of implantation of the embryo.
In order to identify this so-called “window of implantation” as the cause, we do an ERA-TEST (Endometrial Receptivity Array, INGEOMIX) at our institute. An endometrial biopsy is performed with a thin suction curette (Pipelle) and sent to a special laboratory in Spain.
