In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the treatments that offers the best results in Assisted Reproduction and consists of the insemination of the eggs in the laboratory and the culture of the embryos until the moment of their transfer to the uterus.
It is indicated in cases of low seminal quality and in different pathologies of the woman such as tubal obstruction, the presence of endometriosis, ovulation defects….
To obtain the eggs, the woman undergoes an ovarian stimulation treatment monitored by ultrasound and hormonal determinations and when she is ready, the follicles are aspirated under sedation controlled at all times by CREA’s anesthesiologist. The aspiration is performed in our operating room and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes after which the patient remains in the room for a couple of hours under the care of our nurses.
The male collects the semen sample that is prepared in the embryology laboratory with which the oocytes that are in culture plates inside the incubators are inseminated.
When the conditions of the semen sample do not allow a conventional insemination, a sperm microinjection (ICSI) is performed, which consists of the selection of each sperm individually and with the help of a micromanipulator microscope, it is injected into each of the mature oocytes.
After several days of culture during which the embryologists remain in contact with the patients to keep them informed of the evolution of the embryos, one or two embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus. The transfer is also performed in the operating room, but it is painless and does not require sedation. It is performed with ultrasound monitoring to visualize the deposition of the embryos in the right place. The patient rests for 15 minutes during which she can choose to receive a relaxing massage by our physiotherapist, as it is proven that relaxation brings a beneficial well-being for both the patient and for the evolution of the treatment.
In the event that there are leftover embryos that are not transferred and are viable, they will be vitrified and stored frozen for future use.
Our laboratory has special incubators that, unlike conventional incubators, work with low oxygen concentrations, reproducing the conditions of the female genital tract, which favors the development of embryos to more advanced stages. CREA was a pioneer in Spain in the use of these incubators, adapting and improving them in collaboration with their creators.
Likewise, the frozen embryos are kept in state-of-the-art liquid nitrogen banks with 24-hour monitoring of all their parameters, guaranteeing perfect conditions during the entire time they are frozen.
As in any Assisted Reproduction treatment, patients are assessed individually, and after explaining the process to them, informed consents are signed and the relevant serologies are performed as indicated in the Assisted Reproduction Techniques Law 14/2006.
Throughout the whole process you will have the help and support of the CREA team that has been specially trained for this purpose. Likewise, our psychology office is at your disposal and will offer you invaluable help.