Fertility Services
Some helpful information for Victory’s potential and current patients
Laboratory Testing
Fertility Hormone Testing
These tests provide a picture of the baseline hormone profile of the patient. In particular, the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a direct ovarian reserve marker which gives a picture of the ovarian function.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Estradiol (E2)
Progesterone (PRG/P4)
PROLACTIN (PRL)
Beta- HCG (BHCG)
Male Infertility Tests
Tests are run daily with a Standard-Turn-Around-Time of two hours after collection.
Initial Male factor testing or Semen Analysis is performed according to the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) Criteria of 2010. A special collection room is provided, with an adjacent window to the Andrology laboratory. Specimens are processed one patient at time, avoiding mix-up.
Semen Analysis
An initial evaluation for male factor infertility should include one properly performed semen analysis. A normal initial semen analysis generally excludes an important male factor. However, abnormal semen parameters suggest the need for additional evaluation through endocrine, urologic, or genetic studies.
Follicular Monitoring
Follicular monitoring is carried out through an ultrasound scan to measure the follicle diameters along with the endometrial thickness. This provides a picture of the response of the patient to the stimulation treatment.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility procedure in which sperm is washed, concentrated and injected directly into the uterine cavity near the time of ovulation. IUI increases the number of sperm in the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a fertility procedure in which a woman’s ovaries are stimulated to mature multiple oocytes (eggs) using injections, then collected under ultrasound guidance. These eggs are then inseminated with sperm in the embryology laboratory, and fertilized embryos are replaced in the woman’s uterus
IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a technique allowing microinjection of a single sperm into the egg. The embryologist selects a single live sperm, immobilizes it before injects it directly into a healthy mature egg using a fine pipette. The injected eggs are examined 16 – 18 hours later for evidence of fertilization. The normally fertilized eggs are cultured and monitored until the day of transfer. The day of embryo transferred can be 2, 3, 4 or 5 days after the injection and only the best embryos (usually 3 embryos) will be transferred.
Assisted Hatching
Prior to implantation at the endometrium lining, the developing embryo must hatch out from zona pellucida (egg shell). Some embryos seem to have a thicker and harder shell that may decrease their ability to implant. This may due to the age of the woman of other unknown reasons.
Assisted Hatching is an in vitro fertilization lab procedure that can increase success rates by micromanipulation under a microscope to create a small hole in the egg using either laser, acid or enzyme technique. This promotes implantation in the uterine wall after embryo transfer.
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is a technique in which sperm, eggs and embryos are frozen in order to preserve them for future use
Oocyte Cryopreservation Program
Oocyte (Egg) Cryopreservation Program gives women the possibility to store eggs at a younger age for use in the future when they are older…
Embryo Cryopreservation (Freezing)
Stimulation of ovaries for IVF or ICSI often leads to excess embryos being created which cannot be transferred in the same treatment cycle…
Sperm Cryopreservation (Freezing)
Sperm cryopreservation (freezing) involves the whole semen sample to be diluted with an appropriate volume of cryoprotectant…
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a procedure wherein embryos are loaded in a Transfer Catheter which is passed through the cervix under ultrasound guidance and released into the uterine cavity. The embryo transfer procedure for frozen-thawed embryos is as in a conventional embryo transfer. After embryo transfer, patient will be given progesterone hormone pessaries to support the endometrium lining. Success Rate (Pregnancy Rate) with Embryo Cryopreservation.
Embryos can be frozen at various development stages, the 2PN stage, the 4-cell stage, the 8-cell stage or the blastocyst stage. Of all these stages, only 4-cell stage embryo cryopreservation technique is well established and most successful. Only embryo survives the rigorous freeze / thaw process with at least 75% intact blastomeres has great chance to produce pregnancy.
Blastocyst Transfer and Culture
Blastocyst culture is an advance A.R.T. procedure whereby the embryo is cultured in the laboratory for 4-6 days before being transferred into the uterus of the patient. A blastocyst consists of two types of cells: the outer layer of cells called trophectoderm which is the future placenta, and the inner of cells called inner cell mass which is the future fetus.
Only the toughest and strongest embryos can survive in the laboratory until the blastocyst stage. By transferring blastocyst, the chance of pregnancy is greatly increased because they have a higher implantation rate. Embryo survival rate in the laboratory is also highly dependent on the laboratory condition and the skill of the embryologist. Only experienced embryologists are capable to generate good quality embryos to be cultured to the blastocyst stage.
Other Services
Acupuncture
involves inserting fine needles under the skin at particular points in the body depending on the condition being treated. It can improve uterine blood flow, which may create a more hospitable environment for implantation of the embryo.
Testicular Sperm Extraction / Aspirate (TESA)
TESA as defined is the process of removing a small portion of tissue from the testicle under local anesthesia for the goal of sperm retrieval. This procedure is recommended when few or no viable sperm can be recovered from the ejaculate.
The tissues collected will be processed in the laboratory, extracting the viable sperm cells. The laboratory will maximize the number of tissue collected to have enough for cryopreservation for future cycles.
Victory has established an average of 40% pregnancy rate for ICSI procedures from TESA samples.
Talk to Us
Through the help of our referring doctors and surgeons, Victory offers free counseling for infertile couples, as well as patients in the pre and post- treatment stage.