This new visualisation system is key to the monitoring of embryo development.

As biologists we are faced with a dilemma when it comes to evaluating the development of embryos obtained through assisted reproduction treatment. Viewing them through a microscope – to see the number of cells, fragmentation and other morphological indicators – allows us to classify qualitative data with the purpose of selecting the embryos with the greatest chances of implantation for the transfer.

However, this way of viewing the embryos means that we have to remove them from their controlled culture conditions: a change in temperature and humidity and exposure to concentrated atmospheric oxygen and light radiation; these are all factors which can have a negative impact on embryo development.

This is the reason why embryos are observed and evaluated only when strictly necessary. In turn, however, this means that the information we have on embryo development –information which is necessary for selection of the best embryo to transfer- is very limited.

The development of image-capturing systems integrated in incubators, known as Time Lapse monitoring systems, has changed the way we see embryos. These systems take a series of photographs at specific time intervals, usually every 5 to 15 minutes. The images are viewed like a video which allows us to observe embryo development in real time and, essentially, analyse certain morphological events that are key to embryo development. Determining how and when these key elements in embryo development occur is called morphokinetic analysis, and it allows us to develop new algorithms for embryo classification. Read more ›

 “Fruit and vegetables with high levels of pesticide residues are associated with a lower total sperm count, a lower percentage of morphologically normal sperm and a decreased volume of ejaculate among men presenting to a fertility clinic.”

These are the conclusions drawn from a study carried out by Chiu et al., and published in Human Reproduction in 2015. It is the first study to deal with the relationship between the presence of pesticides in food and sperm quality, others only having evaluated the presence of environmental or work related pesticides (occupational contamination). Read more ›

The hysteroscopy is a useful tool both for the diagnosis and the treatment of many gynaecological diseases and conditions. This is the traditional standpoint, yet for some time now it has been considered that it is the field of infertility which can benefit most from this type of technique.

It is widely known that submucosal fibroids affect implantation; however, other pathologies such as polyps, adhesions (Asherman syndrome) and a uterine septum can also make conceiving a pregnancy difficult. Read more ›

Despite the fact that treatments have improved, both in terms of efficiency and safety, the hormone medication required by treatments is still a source of concern and fear for many patients. Ginemed’s research into assisted reproduction has meant that, in certain cases, we have been able to carry out in vitro fertilisation treatment without hormones. As this respects the natural ovulatory cycle of the woman, it is also known as a pure natural cycle.

What is a natural cycle?

Naturally, women produce one egg in every ovarian cycle; as the development of this egg has not been forced or altered (the egg’s natural selection has been respected) it benefits from having reached optimum maturity. While there is one downside, that we only obtain one egg per cycle, the excellent quality of this egg balances out this disadvantage. Read more ›

The endometrium: the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, acts as a “bed” or “cradle” for the embryos during the implantation process.

Apposition: the first moment when the embryo finds “its spot” in the endometrial cavity, is the first step in the implantation process.  After this follows adhesion, the moment when the embryo makes contact with the endometrium, and finally, the trophoblasts invasion.

We all know, that in order to conceive a pregnancy, it is essential for this “bed” to be well-made and that this is why the sex hormones (estradiol and progesterone) act to prepare the endometrium, making it its most receptive during this period.

It is hardly surprising therefore, that assisted reproduction treatments have placed such importance on the appearance of the endometrium and why we aim to ensure that it is adequately prepared; either using exogenous hormones (oestrogens and progesterone); or using the woman´s own ovulatory cycle, to achieve the optimum endometrium for the embryo transfer.  Read more ›

This is a question that is asked by many patients at some stage, both before and during pregnancy. Don´t worry, you are not alone. This “transient” feeling doesn´t come out of the blue; it is the product of a number of different factors that are found on the road to motherhood. Today, even the decision to become a mother is a complicated one:

• The actual moment in which we decide to become a mother.

• The different ways of conceiving this sought-after pregnancy.

• The decision to be a single mother.

• The decision to become a mother with another woman.

• The decision to become a mother after the age of 40.

• Being a mother thanks to egg or embryo donation

• Etc.

The different possibilities available today when it comes to having a family highlight the fact that, above all, having a child is a choice; yet whatever your family might look like, there is always a common element: love. Read more ›

As the Spanish singer, Serrat says…. our children often look like us. Something that humanity has and will always take great pride in. We have genetics to thank for this, in both the best and worst possible senses.

I say the worst, because just as our children can inherit our hair, our eyes, the colour of our skin, genetics goes beyond mere physical features, and at times, this can be something less desirable.

This is true where hereditary diseases are concerned, and although they are known as rare illnesses because they are, in essence, rare, they result in severe disabilities and have a negative impact on our quality of life.

Yet, if we have always been healthy, how do we pass on a genetic disorder to our children? Read more ›