Sperm, eggs and embryos are handled in the Embryology Lab, where they are identified, processed, and evaluated in a special environment. After Egg Retrieval, the egg will be identified, then placed into an incubator for 4 hours before fertilization. On the Retrieval day, embryologists will inform you of the number of retrieved eggs and discuss your embryo culture plan.
After the physician retrieves the eggs, they are passed to the embryologist who will examine them under a microscope to determine the number retrieved. We’ll be able to determine their maturation 4-6 hours after retrieval.
An immature egg not suitable for further use in fertility treatment
An immature egg not suitable for further use in fertility treatment
A mature egg that is ready for fertilization
*You will see these indications of maturation development in your embryo update on Day 1 of your embryo development. If your egg is mature, our embryologist will fertilize them with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or by conventional fertilization per patient’s request.
On Day 1, you will receive an email update with the progress of your eggs, including whether your eggs were fertilized. If they were, their culture plan will often be to continue culturing until Day 5 to see if they will develop into blastocysts. If your egg remains at an immature state (MI or GV), this means that the egg is unable to mature and will be discarded.
If your egg retrieval was on a Saturday, your Day 1 update will be postponed and sent to you on the following Monday.
Normally, we do not provide Day 2 updates but some may receive one because their retrieval was on a Saturday with the update sent Monday. For those who do receive it, below is an explanation for what the three numbers mean. On day 2, your embryos will have developed into more than one cell and the numbers describe the embryo’s appearance.
Example: 411
1st digit = number of cells of the embryo
2nd digit = degree of fragmentation of the cells
3rd digit = symmetry of the cells
During this particularly sensitive period, our embryologists will not be checking for development progress in order to prevent any disturbances in their growth. Sometimes, nature needs time to run its course.
Typically, 40-50% of embryos will have developed into blastocysts, a key stage due to their much higher pregnancy rates if transferred. But don’t be discouraged if your embryos aren’t there yet! Embryos grow at different rates and some don’t reach blastocyst until a few days later.
If your embryo is behind, our embryologist will continue to culture so long as there is development. If it reaches an arrested state (stops growing), then unfortunately we must discard this embryo as it would not be usable for transfer.
Day 5 embryos are given one number and two letters, i.e., 4AA.
Though there are occasional exceptions, most culture plans designed by the medical and laboratory team will have your embryos will be frozen once they reach blastocysts stage.
Don’t just take our word for it.
My husband and I were looking for a fertility clinic that offered natural and minimal IVF options. After researching various clinics, we knew that Life IVF was the place we were looking for. During our initial consultation, we told Dr. Yelian we were interested in IVF without the use of injection shot medications. He was very optimistic about us getting pregnant without the injection shot medication. I took oral medications and just one trigger shot. Dr. Yelian was right, after the first embryo transfer we found out we are pregnant on our first try. We are overjoyed and so grateful for Dr. Yelian. He is amazing! During the whole process Dr. Yelian is very informative and talks you through it. You can tell he truly cares and wants you to succeed.
B.W.
IVF Patient
California, USA
Don’t just take our word for it.
We had a great experience at Life IVF. I was 37 and my husband 38, both healthy with unexplained infertility. After 4 failed IUI attempts at another IVF clinic, we found Life IVF. From the moment we stepped into our first appointment to the 10th week of pregnancy, we felt completely cared for as individuals. Everything Life IVF did was down to a science (which we loved) and each visit was customized to us. We loved that we were monitored so closely and that the doctor reviewed the lab results and made any medicinal tweaks with each visit. We did 2 egg retrievals and one embryo transfer and were so excited and thankful we got pregnant with the first transfer. We now have a beautiful baby girl and are so in love. We’ll always recommend this clinic to anyone we come across looking for IVF advice. We have nothing but great things to say about the entire staff and experience!
C.G.
IVF Patient
California, USA
