What is the Role of an Embryologist?
Couples undergoing IVF usually interact with the doctor handing their case. However, he/she is not alone in helping them have a baby. An embryologist too plays a key role in IVF treatment. The embryologist works behind the scenes to help with all the different stages of IVF from the retrieval or eggs to the development of an embryo and its transfer to the womb.
An embryologist is not a doctor but has a specialised skill set that enables him/her to work with delicate cells such as sperm and eggs. An embryologist plays an important role in every stage of IVF treatment.
1. Egg Retrieval
When follicles in the ovary have matured, they are harvested with the help of a catheter (needle, not catheter). A doctor removes follicular fluid that contains these eggs for the ovaries. The embryologist then isolates eggs from this fluid and prepares them for the next stage of treatment.
2. Embryo Development
The embryologist then introduces sperm to the egg to create an embryo. In the case of specialised procedures like ICSI, the embryologist uses micromanipulation to insert a single sperm into the egg. This is done in cases of extreme male infertility.
3. Embryo Transfer
The embryo reaches a multiple cell stage in about 5 days. This is when 1-2 embryos may be transferred to the woman’s uterus. The embryologist selects the embryo and loads it into a catheter so that the doctor can place it in the uterus.
4. Embryo Freezing
Embryologists use a special process known as cryopreservation to freeze healthy embryos. This process does not allow ice crystal to damage the embryo and stops the biological activity in the embryo until it is thawed at a later date.
Embryologists are also involved in embryo biopsies and genetic tests such as PGD and PGS.
How long does it take for the embryo to implant in the uterus?
Know MoreHow much does it cost to get your eggs frozen?
Know MoreHow Many Days After Egg Retrieval Is Embryo Transferred?
Know MoreHow Much Does Intra Uterine Insemination Cost?
Know MoreHow much does it cost to adopt an embryo?
Know MoreWhat Common conditions that affect male infertility is teratospermia?
Know MoreWhat happens during and after implantation?
Know MoreWhat Is a Uterine Fibroid?
Know MoreWhat is Asthenozoospermia?
Know MoreWhat is Obstructive and Non Obstructive Azoospermia?
Know MoreWhat is meant by assisted reproduction?
Know MoreWhat Is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
Know MoreWhat is PGD and when is it done?
Know MoreWhat is Stability and Durability in Vitrification?
Know MoreWhat is the cost of ICSI in India?
Know MoreWhat is the Normal Morphology of Sperm?
Know MoreWhat is the percentage of infertile couples in different age groups?
Know MoreWhat is volume reduction in vitrification?
Know MoreWhat percentage of infertility is unexplained?
Know MoreWhen is ICSI Recommended?
Know MoreWhat are the Advanced Treatment Options for Infertility?
Know MoreWhat are batch IVF?
Know MoreCan Weight Gain Cause Infertility?
Know MoreWhat are the Treatment for Endocrinopathies?
Know MoreWhat is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
Know MoreHow is Smoking and Fertility Related?
Know MoreHow Does Sleep Affect Fertility in Men and Women?
Know MoreWhat is the Cause of Secondary Infertility?
Know MoreWhat are the Common Reasons for Doing ICSI?
Know MoreWhat is Fertility Assesment and How is it Done?
Know MoreWhat is IUI?
Know MoreWhat is Teratospermia?
Know MoreCan Genetic Disorder Cause Infertility?
Know MoreWhat Types of Embryos are Transferred During IVF Process?
Know MoreWhat is Reproductive Genetics?
Know MoreWhat is Preconceptual Counselling?
Know MoreWhat is Egg Donation?
Know MoreWhat is Embryo Donation?
Know MoreWhat is Blastocyst Culture?
Know MoreWhat Is Andrology?
Know MoreWhat is a Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation for Detecting Varicocele ?
Know MoreWhat is Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS)?
Know MoreWhat is Surgical Sperm Retrieval By PESA/TESA/TESE/Microdissection TESE procedure?
Know MoreHow Does IUI Work?
Know MoreHow is The IUI Procedure Done?
Know MoreHow is the Sperm Sample Prepared for IUI treatment?
Know MoreWhat are The Causes of IUI Failures?
Know MoreWho is ICSI Suitable for?
Know MoreIs Exercise Good or Bad After IVF?
Know MoreIs Freezing Your Eggs Covered by Insurance?
Know MoreHow are Eggs Frozen?
Know More