Latest Scientific Methods and Techniques

Spontaneous Cycle, Calcium-Ionophor, Assisted Hatching, pICSI, IMSI, Seminal Plasma Wash, HALO-Test, SET et al.

Examination

Spermiogram: Sterignost is the first fertility clinic in Austria to offer the TUNEL test. This is a sperm analysis test measuring DNA fragmentation. If a higher level of fragmentation can be observed, then fertility is reduced and vitamins are prescribed. We carry out an IMSI if the values do not improve. Similarly, the HALO Test, which we offer since 2009, also determines DNA fragmentation.

DFI (DNA Fragmentation Index): 0-15% equals normal, 15-30% reduced fertility and a value of 30%+ indicates that fertility is severely reduced.

In the case of low endometrium: the natural active ingredients of the pineapple can improve endometrial development. If you tolerate pineapple, eat one every day at the beginning of your cycle.

Fertilisation

Calcium Ionophore: If an ICSI egg could not be fertilised, it may be that the egg lacks the calcium oscillations necessary for fertilisation normally initiated by the sperm. The addition of calcium ionophore after ICSI artificially simulates the release of calcium and fertilisation can take place.

pICSI: In a "normal" ICSI procedure, sperm is selected under the microscope according to certain morphological criteria. Morphology is not equivalent to functionality or maturity, therefore "immature" sperm may also be selected. By using hyaluronan and a special petri dish, mature, motile sperm are aspired in a non-invasive procedure, tested morphologically and then implanted directly into the egg. Sperm that are able to attach themselves to the hyaluronan are further less susceptible to DNA strand breaks.

Physiological ICSI: Similar to ICSI, we look for sperm in a medium fortified with hyaluronan by applying criteria of maturity, motility and morphology at a magnification of 400 times (ICSI) or 600 times (IMSI). However, here we immobilise selected sperm inside the medium and do not use PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone).

IMSI: Morphologically selected sperm injection; sperm is selected with the help of a high magnification microscope.The sperm is then injected into the egg in the same manner as in an ICSI procedure. Pregnancy rates are particularly improved in cases where DNA fragmentation is high (TUNEL and HALO test).

Polar Body Diagnostics: If certain criteria are met, we also offer polar body diagnostics. We co-operate with the University of Graz, which performs an analysis on the egg's polar bodies using modern CGH technology (Comparative Genomic Hybridisation). This molecular genetic test examines the entire genome for abnormalities.

See Polar Body Diagnostics.

Implantation

Implantation of the embryo is determined by a good interaction between embryo and endometrium.

Assisted Hatching helps the embryo hatch in the case of a thickened zona pellucida or after thawing; a laser is used to cut a small hole in the zona pellucida from where the embryo can hatch out and implant itself.

EmbryoGlue® increases the chances of embryo implantation; enriched with carbohydrates and amino acids, it helps the embryo during the time of transfer and implantation. It contains a relatively high concentration of recombinant hyaluron and albumin.

Information by Vitrolife:

Seminal Plasma Wash: Seminal plasma is that part of the ejaculate that does not contain sperm and comprises secretions of the accessory sex glands. Sperm is separated by centrifugation from the plasma in the laboratory.

If implantation repeatedly fails (despite good embryos and triple-layered endometrium), then introduction of the male partner's seminal plasma into the cervix shortly after oocyte pick-up may increase the female partner's chances of pregnancy.

Endometrial Curettage is not to be confused with a regular curettage. In this case, a small area of the endometrium is scraped in the second part of the pre-menstrual cycle prior to stimulation and onset of menses. In some cases, a small tissue sample is taken. In the following cycle (stimulation cycle) the molecular attributes of the endometrium are usually improved.

SET (Single Embryo Transfer): The great goal of all IVF clinics is to reduce the amount of twin and particularly triplet pregnancies, as they are high risk. Blastocyst cultures, which are legal in Austria, improve the selection process of the embryo prior to implantation. The IVF Fund 2010 states that Sterignost has by far one of the best SET rates in Austria. The pregnancy rate was 15% above average compared with other Austrian IVF clinics.

Cryo-conservation: The transfer of a maximum of three embryos is allowed per cycle. The remaining embryos can be frozen at the so-called blastocyst stage. Cryo-preservation and the associated possibility of a cryo-embryo transfer avoid repeated stimulation and puncture. However, not all embryos survive the thaw. The pregnancy rate is also lower by about 5% compared with fresh transfers. Eggs can also be cryopreserved, the same way as ejaculate samples and testis tissue, and fertilised after thawing.

See Social Freezing.

See Spontaneous Cycle.