When the insemination is no possible or it doesn't produce the desired results, you can choose the ROPA technique with the eggs from your partner.
Also known as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with sperm microinjection is a more complex technique, but also more effective than conventional IVF, since it has a higher rate of successful embryos and pregnancy.
We choose the spermatozoa in order to insert them into a mature egg. The sperm count or motility is not a problem anymore. As each egg is fertilised individually, non-viable embryos are avoided.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) – ICSI steps
a) Ovarian stimulation
The ovaries are stimulated to produce more mature eggs. The treatment can be received in your home, because it can be self-administered. Simultaneously we undergo some tests, as ultrasound scanning or estradiol blood tests, in order to know how the woman responds to the treatment, so we can decide how to go on with the procedure until the day of the retrieval.
b) Oocyte retrieval or follicular puncture
This method involves the puncture and aspiration of ovarian follicles, where ovaries are located. The process lasts 5-10 minutes. We check it via ultrasound guidance and local sedation is needed.
c) Oocyte identification
After the retrieval, Cefer biologists examine through a microscope the follicular fluids in order to identify the eggs and know if they are mature. If ICSI technique is applied, the egg pellucid zone -or the cells from its "shell"- will be removed.
d) Sperm preparation
The healthy sperm will be separated from the remains. If IVF technique is applied, the sperm is placed with the eggs in a cell-culture dish. As regards ICSI technique, a spermatozoon is inserted inside the mature egg. In some cases, we can recommend IMSI procedure, besides ICSI one. IMSI involves a major, accurate sperm selection for egg fertilisation, because we use a more powerful microscope (with 16.000 magnifications facing the 400 magnifications of ICSI). We can see if there are any vacuoles inside the spermatozoon nucleus, which are related to DNA abnormalities.
*IMSI technique is only available for the moment at Cefer Barcelona.
e) Oocyte observation
After 16-20 hours, we undergo one more test through the microscope. If there are two circles (pronucleus), it means the oocyte is fertilised. We will inform you as soon as we know it!
f) Embryo monitoring
Every day Cefer embryologists take out the cell-culture dishes with the embryos and check their development one by one. This monitoring gives us some valuable information about which embryos are more likely to be successful.
We have a highly advanced system of embryo incubator, EmbryoScope, with a new image acquisition system. This allows the embryo's development to be traced first hand without taking it out the incubator, so we can collect more information for an early detection of embryo morphological abnormalities, which cannot be identified through traditional methods. Moreover, EmbryoScope improves the selection criteria of the highest potential embryos for pregnancy.
Thanks to the excellent conditions (constant temperature, humidity and environment) within EmbryoScope, the embryo incubation is more stable, which increases embryo viability. With respect to pregnancy, miscarriage rates will be reduced by half.
*EmbryoScope is only available for the moment at Cefer Barcelona.
g) Embryo transfer to the uterus
Embryo transfer is painless, which means that sedation is not required. Ultrasound guidance will be used in order to ensure the correct placement of the embryos.
Ask our experts for further information about IVF technique.
What else can we do for you?
Psychological support service
As psychology is an important factor for a successful treatment and for your comfort, you will have at your disposal the assistance of a professional psychologist. You will be provided with recommendations and advices in order to manage better your feelings when you do not receive the usual support due to the hormones side effects, nerves for the process, or a poor communication with your loved ones. A psychologist expert on assisted reproduction will guide you during all the process.
