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DONOR EGG IVF

testtubebabyclinic — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:02:06 +0000

Egg donation can be defined as the process of donating eggs (oocytes) to another person (or people) for the purpose of attempting pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).This is a wonderful treatment option for older women and women with ovarian failure. EGG DONATION is becoming very popular amongst womens one because of the monetary compensations that they receive. They can have a better life for there family and many young donors use the proceeds to pay for college, travel, add to personal savings and supplement their income. It is a help to the society as many woman look at egg donation as a unique opportunity to make dreams come true for infertile couples and singles who can’t conceive children on their own.

Let us understand the Egg Donation Program in detail.

Oocyte Donor Program

Egg quality has remained one of the major determinants of successful IVF. Egg quality diminishes over age 35 and significantly declines over the age of 39, yielding a low chance of successful pregnancy in an otherwise healthy woman capable of carrying a pregnancy. Egg donation allows a couple to experience a significant increase in their rate of pregnancy with ability to experience a pregnancy and delivery.

Indications or need to go for ICSI Treatment.

Repeated IVF failures with own eggs

Age greater than 38 years

Premature ovarian failure

Menopausal patients

Patients with genetic defects

In egg donation IVF, the donor of eggs may be anonymous or she may be a sister, close friend, or relative of the infertile woman. The egg donor is given fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Hormone replacement is used to synchronize the recipient to the egg donor cycle. Just prior to ovulation, using standard IVF techniques, the eggs are retrieved from the donor’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm of the recipient couple.

There ends the brief but important role of the donor. In the IVF lab, the donor’s eggs are mixed with the sperm of the father to be. Up to four embryos are transferred to the infertile woman’s uterus, two to three days later. Hormone support is administered for the first couple of months to maintain the pregnancy. A pregnant recipient of donor egg IVF has a reduced rate of miscarriage or Down’s Syndrome.

Donor Egg IVF was initially developed to treat women with premature ovarian failure, women who didn’t have any eggs and couldn’t become pregnant. The applications of this new technology have greatly expanded. Donor Egg IVF is now used for women who are carriers of genetic diseases, women who have had multiple failed cycles of IVF, women with impaired ovarian function, or for older healthy women. This treatment also heightens the chance of pregnancy for women whose attempts at IVF have revealed a poor response to fertility medications, or eggs that did not fertilize well or form viable embryos.

Deccan Fertility Clinic is one such clinic which offers comprehensive egg donation program utilizing the team approach. Donors are thoroughly screened both medically and psychologically in the effort to assess whether they meet the stringent guidelines established by the professional staff.
Recipients are interviewed and counseled regarding the medical and psychosocial implications of the process.
The old tradition of donation is based on anonymity, secrecy and non-disclosure. They have developed a program that offers only anonymous donors.

For further information on any questions relating to IVF treatment,infertility issues,test tube baby clinic, surrogacy treatment,surrogate mother,surrogacy in India or infertility specialist you may contact
Deccan Fertility Clinic & Keyhole Surgery Center
Tel: +91 22 2446 6633 / 2444 9992
Fax: +91 22 2444 4443
testtubebabyclinic@gmail.com
http://www.testtubebabyclinic.com

Detailed information on Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection(ICSI)

testtubebabyclinic — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:27:36 +0000

Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a laboratory procedure developed to help infertile couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) due to severe male factor infertility. ICSI involves the insertion of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg (oocyte) using a special microinjection pipette (glass needle). After sperm injection into the egg, further culture and embryo transfer is as with the IVF cases. For patients with subfertile semen, this procedure is preferable to IVF.
ICSI can facilitate fertilization by sperm that will not bind to or penetrate an egg. It can also be used to treat men with extremely low numbers of sperm. However, ICSI is generally unsuccessful when used to treat fertilization failures that are primarily due to poor egg quality.

Indications for Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Oligospermia – very low sperm counts

Asthenozoospermia – poor sperm motility

Teratozoospermia – too many abnormal sperms

Problems with sperm binding to and penetrating the egg

Antisperm antibodies (immune or protective proteins which attach and destroy sperm) of sufficient quality to prevent fertilization

Prior or repeated fertilization failure with standard IVF culture and fertilization methods

Frozen sperm collected prior to cancer treatment that may be limited in number and quality

Azoospermia with obstructive pathology – absence of sperm secondary to blockage or abnormality of the ejaculatory ducts that allow sperm to move from the testes. In this situation, sperms are obtained from the epididymis by a procedure called microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) or from the testes by testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Thus very few azoospermic men need to resort to a sperm bank now with the availability of ICSI.

ICSI is not a perfect technique. Some eggs will be damaged by the ICSI process. Some eggs have plasma membranes that are difficult to pierce. In other instances, the fertilized egg may fail to divide, or the embryo may arrest at an early stage of development.

Perinatal outcome studies in Europe suggest that although multiple pregnancies are common with ICSI, there is no evidence of increased incidence of congenital malformations or abnormal karyotype. There is no evidence that abnormalities may arise later in life to babies born as a result of ICSI, although there is also no guarantee that all babies will be normal.

The duration of one IVF or ICSI cycle.

One complete IVF or ICSI cycle takes approximately 15 to 16 days. From Day 1 or 2 of menses the stimulation of the ovaries start by muscular or subcutaneous injections of hormones. The mean stimulation period is 12 days, depending on the reaction of the ovaries. The ovum pick up takes place within two days after stopping the stimulation (usually on day 13). Now the real IVF or ICSI follows in the laboratory. When fertilization occurs, embryos are transferred into the uterus (usually on day 15) and drugs supporting the uterus are given. After approximately 13 days a pregnancy test will show whether the IVF treatment has been successful or not.

What are the different stages that takes place in an IVF Cycle?

testtubebabyclinic — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:26:59 +0000

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Beginning an IVF cycle is an exciting and anxious time for a couple. This is the time when couples need maximum amount of clinical, emotional, and administrative support to complete their cycle successfully – whether it results in a pregnancy or not.

The following explanation is meant to simplify what occurs during various stages of IVF:
1] Ovarian Follicle Development through Controlled Ovarian Stimulation.

Fertility drugs are used to simulate the female partner, natural hormones to develop several normal follicles in the ovaries. These medications are Clomiphene Citrate also called Siphene® or Ovofar®; Menogon (HMG), a 50:50 mixture of FSH and LH hormonal administered intramuscularly; Puregon® (POFSH) administered subcutaneously; or Gonal-F (RecFSH). Any excess Oocytes that fertilize and develop into embryos at fertilization may later be stored through cryopreservation.
Follicular growth, development, and maturity are evaluated through frequent hormone monitoring and by ultrasounds. Typically, the hormones estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone are measured through blood tests to evaluate ovarian response. Ultrasound is used several times during a cycle to measure accurately follicular growth and size.
These steps allow the physician team to modify the treatment in some cases and to stop the cycle if the response to stimulation is not satisfactory. Once follicular maturation is achieved, the patient receives an intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which triggers oocyte maturation and ovulation. Oocyte retrieval is performed approximately 34 hours later.
Embryo Retrieval through Puncture/Aspiration

If the last hormone blood test and ultrasound evaluation indicates healthy growth of follicles, then aspiration of mature follicles takes place. This entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes performed under short general anesthesia. The physician locates each follicle through ultrasonic guidance and carefully aspirates them. The contents of the follicles are immediately taken to the IVF lab. Patients usually recover for one to two hours following Oocyte retrieval and are then discharged. Progesterone supplementation is initiated from the day of the retrieval.

2] Oocyte Culture, Insemination, and Fertilization.

In the IVF laboratory, follicular fluid is examined under a microscope to locate all eggs, which are then incubated in a special media. Generally, semen collection occurs at about the time of the egg retrieval but, in some cases, may be several hours later. The sperms are then added to the eggs in culture, here fertilization occurs. Any resulting embryos are stored in the incubator, and maintained in culture until the time of embryo transfer and/or Cryopreservation.

3] Embryo Transfer.

Usually, transfer of the embryos takes place on day two to three post retrieval. The embryos are examined under the microscope and carefully aspirated to a thin transfer catheter. The loaded catheter is introduced under transabdominal ultrasound guidance through the cervix into the uterus where the embryos are placed. This procedure takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.

After the transfer, the patient rests for two hours prior to discharge. Twelve days after the embryo transfer, a serum base pregnancy test is taken. During this period, patients are advised to perform light activity and remain in contact with the Center. If pregnancy does not occur, our team reviews the IVF cycle and makes specific recommendations for follow-up. The patient will speak with the clinical staff to review and if necessary, to discuss other options.

4] Cryopreservation

Embryos of sufficient quality that are not transferred can be cryopreserved. The embryologist will select embryos that are suitable for freezing. Embryos that are ideal for freezing have blastomeres of equal size and display minimal or no fragmentation.

IVF and Its Success Rates

testtubebabyclinic — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:57:12 +0000

WHAT IS IVF?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a technique whereby egg cells are fertilised outside the mother’s body in cases where conception is impossible through normal intercourse. “In vitro” is Latin for “in glass”, referring to the test tubes.In brief, the process involves removing ova (eggs) from the woman’s body and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium. The fertilised eggs are then transferred to the mother’s uterus where normal development occurs. IVF is used commonly when the father’s sperm count is low or the woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked.

What about success rates of IVF?

There has long been a debate regarding the success rates of in vitro fertilisation. While some find it the best possible infertility treatment, many are doubtful about its success rates and the complications following the failure.

In reality, there are a number of factors that have to be taken into consideration to analyse the success or the failure of any IVF treatment. Possible reasons why a particular cycle treatment may fail include:

* Patient’s age
* Sperm and egg quality
* Failure to collect eggs
* Failure of implantation of the embryos

On an average, there is a 20% to 30% success rate associated with IVF.

In general women above 40 find it a little more difficult to conceive using IVF as the ovulation rate as well as quality of eggs decreases with age. Those who have had a normal delivery before or successful IVF births earlier have a greater chance of getting pregnant the second time over.

The IVF centre where the treatment is done also influences the success rate. Factors like size of the clinic, technical expertise of the team, type of equipments used, protocols for ovary stimulation, and transferring of embryos play an important role in inferring the overall success rate.

For further information on any question relating to IVF treatment,infertility issues,test tube baby clinic, surrogacy treatment,surrogate mother,surrogacy in India or infertility specialist you may contact
Deccan Fertility Clinic & Keyhole Surgery Center
Tel: +91 22 2446 6633 / 2444 9992
Fax: +91 22 2444 4443
testtubebabyclinic@gmail.com
http://www.testtubebabyclinic.com

INFERTILITY,INFERTILITY WORLDWIDE AND THE common causes of infertility AND ITS OPTIONS

testtubebabyclinic — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:46:13 +0000

What is the incidence of infertility worldwide?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 8-10% of couples experience some form of infertility problem. On a worldwide scale, this means that 50-80 million people suffer from infertility. However, the incidence of infertility may vary from region to region. In France, 18% of couples of childbearing age said that they had difficulties in conceiving.

What are the most common causes of infertility?

The most common causes of female infertility are ovulatory disorders and anatomical abnormalities such as damaged fallopian tubes. Less frequent causes include, for example, endometriosis and hyperprolactinemia. Causes of male infertility can be divided into three main categories: Sperm production disorders affecting the quality and/or the quantity of sperm; anatomical obstructions; Other factors such immunological disorders. Approximately a third of all cases of male infertility can be attributed to immune or endocrine problems, as well as to a failure of the testes to respond to the hormonal stimulation triggering sperm production. However, in a great number of cases of male infertility due to inadequate spermatogenesis (sperm production) or sperm defects, the origin of the problem still remains unexplained.
infertility can be due to problems with sperm production, transportation through the male reproductive tract and delivery into the female reproductive tract. On the female side, infertility may be caused by a lack of ovulation (anovulation), blocked fallopian tubes, or inability of an embryo to implant and establish a pregnancy in the uterus. Infertility often results from combinations of several problems on both the male and female sides.

What treatment options do infertile couples have?

Several options are offered to couples depending on the type of infertility that has been diagnosed. The vast majority of female patients are successfully treated with the administration of drugs such as clomiphene citrate, cabergoline, metformin or gonadotropins. Surgery can also be a means to repair damage to the reproductive organs, such as those caused by endometriosis and infectious diseases. Treatment options for male infertility also include the administration of drugs, surgery and assisted reproductive technologies, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Drug therapy and surgery have proved very successful for specific types of male infertility. However, in a great number of cases, the reason why men have fertility problems remains unexplained and the treatment methods applied are empirical. Some patients nevertheless require more complex medical intervention. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) refer to several different methods designed to overcome barriers to natural fertilization such as anatomical problems (eg blocked fallopian tubes). One of these techniques, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), has now been practiced for more than 15 years. Overall, the estimated number of infertile patients currently treated by ART is around 20%.

INFERTILITY,CAUSES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR INFERTILE COUPLES

testtubebabyclinic — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:31:23 +0000

What is Infertility?
Infertility, whether male or female, can be defined as ‘the inability of a couple to achieve conception or to bring a pregnancy to term after a year or more of regular, unprotected intercourse’.Infertility is often a multifactorial problem and in any given couple may be related to the female partner, the male partner or the combination of both.

The evaluation of infertility proceeds along simple and logical lines of a basic three-step infertility work-up.
Test for eggs

Test for sperm

Test to make sure they can get together

For the male the specific tests required may include:
A semen analysis

Blood tests

Referral to an andrologist if an abnormality is detected.

For the female the specific tests required may include:
Hormonal tests

An infectious diseases screen

Endometrial biopsy

X-ray to determine patency of the fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingogram)

Ultrasound, possibly with saline infusion (Saline Infusion Sonography)

Hysteroscopy, a procedure in which a small telescope is placed in the uterus to check for abnormalities

Laparoscopy, a surgical procedure in which a small telescope is placed through the navel, to check for abnormalities of the tubes, ovaries and pelvis. This is the only way to diagnose mild forms of endometriosis

Causes that leads to infertility.

Infertility can be due to problems with sperm production, transportation through the male reproductive tract and delivery into the female reproductive tract. On the female side, infertility may be caused by a lack of ovulation (anovulation), blocked fallopian tubes, or inability of an embryo to implant and establish a pregnancy in the uterus. Infertility often results from combinations of several problems on both the male and female sides.

What treatment options do infertile couples have?

What is the incidence of infertility worldwide?

How important is counseling to the patient undergoing infertility treatment?

The physician helps the infertile couple find the most appropriate therapeutic path to overcome barriers to conception, but, before a treatment is started, patients need to be aware of all its aspects, including its constraints. Beyond the medical expertise, infertile couples are also looking for counseling and support. From a psychological point of view, infertility is often a hard condition to cope with. During treatment and before a pregnancy is achieved, feelings of frustration or loss of control usually experienced by the infertile couple are likely to be exacerbated. Management of infertility includes both the physical and emotional care of the couple. Therefore, support from physicians, nurses and all people involved in treating the infertile couple is essential to help them cope with the various aspects of their condition. Offering counseling and contact with other infertile couples and patient associations can provide help outside the medical environment.