The decision to have children is a defining moment in the lives of many women. However, with social, cultural and economic changes, it is increasingly common for this decision to be postponed until a time when personal and professional stability is assured. Although science and medicine have advanced considerably, the relationship between age and female […]
Recurrent miscarriage – what is it? “Recurrent miscarriage affects about 1% of couples and is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies before 20 weeks of pregnancy.” This is a distressing and emotionally challenging problem for couples who want to start a family. This clinical context often raises doubts in couples about […]
IVF or ICSI? The decision in the laboratory The decision between conventional In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Microinjection (ICSI) is often made on the day of treatment, after observing the quality of the ejaculate sample and the quality of the oocytes. The combination of these two factors allows the embryology team to decide […]
What are uterine polyps? And fibroids? Uterine polyps are focal proliferations of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterine cavity), benign in the vast majority of cases. Although they may be asymptomatic, the vast majority manifest themselves through abnormal uterine bleeding: blood loss between periods and/or heavy menstrual flow. Fibroids are benign tumours of the […]
Embryonic development in the PMA laboratory After a mature oocyte is fertilized by a sperm, the female and male nuclei undergo a process that leads to their fusion. This cell, which we now call a zygote, represents a new genetic entity. After nuclear fusion, cell divisions begin, giving rise to the embryo. In a natural […]
Oocyte cryopreservation – what is the procedure? Cryopreservation of oocytes allows the preservation of female fertility in situations of oncological or other diseases that may affect future fertility, as well as in cases where the woman intends to postpone the plan of motherhood. Process steps: Consultation – definition of the protocol to follow Ovarian stimulation – hormonal […]
Fertility preservation – oocyte cryopreservation Oocyte cryopreservation allows the preservation of female fertility through a rapid freezing technique – oocyte vitrification. Oocyte cryopreservation is indicated in the following situations: women with oncological diseases or other diseases that require treatments that may affect their future fertility healthy women who, for personal and/or professional reasons, wish to […]
Analgesia, recovery and care after puncture for oocyte collection and embryo transfer Ovarian puncture for oocyte collection is a short surgical procedure performed under sedation. It consists of collecting oocytes (female gametes) from the ovaries, under ultrasound control, through the vagina, using a specific needle. After this procedure, the woman remains for some time in […]
Sperm DNA fragmentation tests Although there is still no total consensus regarding the extent of the impact caused by sperm DNA fragmentation on fertilization, many studies show that a high percentage of fragmentation can lead to problems in the fertilization process and in embryonic development itself, affecting the outcome of ART treatment. It is for […]
Spermogram – what is it? The spermogram is the quintessential test for assessing male fertility. In this test, an ejaculate sample is collected through masturbation. The sample is observed in the laboratory and several parameters are evaluated, such as volume, pH, concentration, motility, vitality and morphology. There are reference values from which each parameter is […]
The importance of prenatal diagnosis Pregnancy is a unique phase in a woman’s life. Medicine has evolved immensely in order to detect risks, prevent complications and monitor situations that may lead to poor maternal and fetal outcomes. Ultrasound is a powerful tool for diagnosing risk situations during pregnancy and, on the other hand, ensuring adequate […]
Assessment of the infertile couple – the first approach Infertility is defined as the absence of pregnancy after 1 year of frequent and unprotected sexual intercourse. However, depending on the clinical situation, the study for evaluation and diagnosis may begin before 12 months: as in the case of women over 35 years of age where […]