Embryologists: key specialists in in vitro fertilization (IVF)

What is an embryologist?

The embryologist is a specialist in reproductive medicine who plays an important role in the process of infertility treatment. They are responsible for obtaining reproductive cells, performing fertilization, and cultivating embryos in the laboratory until they are transferred into the woman's uterus. The success of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program largely depends on the professionalism and experience of the embryologist.

Main tasks of the embryologist

As part of their work, the embryologist carries out a number of essential tasks:

• They assess the quality of the obtained reproductive cells (eggs and sperm);
• They perform fertilization in the laboratory (ICSI or IMSI methods);
• They create optimal conditions for the culture of fertilized eggs;
• They monitor the development of embryos at all stages of laboratory culture;
• They perform embryo biopsies for preimplantation genetic diagnosis;
• They carry out embryo hatching, a procedure that increases the likelihood of successful implantation;
• They perform cryopreservation and thawing of eggs, sperm, and embryos.

Qualifications and training of embryologists

An embryologist may not be a physician, but in any case, they must be highly qualified. To work in this field, it is necessary to have a higher education profile in biology, biotechnology, or medicine, as well as specialized training and practice in the laboratories of clinics dealing with assisted reproductive technologies. The embryologist prepares reproductive cells for fertilization, cleans the eggs, places them in specialized media, and assesses the motility and morphological characteristics of the sperm.

Fertilization stage

The embryologist is responsible for one of the key stages of IVF: selecting high-quality eggs and fertilizing them with the most viable sperm. The Natuvitro clinic uses ICSI and IMSI methods for this purpose. The sperm is introduced into the egg with a fine needle under the control of a powerful microscope. The procedure is performed using modern equipment, which allows for great efficiency.

Embryo culture

After fertilization, the embryologist monitors the development of the embryos in incubators. This process lasts about five days. Once completed, the specialist selects the most promising embryos to transfer into the uterine cavity.

Additional procedures

If there are appropriate medical indications, the embryologist may perform additional procedures:

• The laser hatching - creating micro-incisions on the embryo's shell to increase the likelihood of implantation;
• Trophectoderm biopsy - collecting a few cells for genetic analysis to detect pathologies and chromosomal abnormalities.

Where to get a consultation?

More information about the work of an embryologist and the IVF procedure can be obtained from the specialists at the "Natuvitro" clinic. To make an appointment, please refer to the "Contacts" section of the clinic's website.