Additional services
Additional techniques can also increase the chances of successful treatment.
In highly reduced semen, other criteria are applied to select quality individual spermatozoa for ICSI through an extremely time-consuming and technically complicated selection process. Fertilization is therefore also possible in cases where semen quality is extremely poor.
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.
Assisted embryo hatching
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 (by means of 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.
Seminal plasma flushing
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.
Embryo glue
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.
Preovulatory uterine flushing
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.
Endometrial biopsy (in cases of recurrent miscarriage/failed implantation of the embryo)
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.
ERA test (endometrial receptivity array, INGEOMIX)
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.