IVF and ICSI
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and IntraCytoplasmic sperm Injection (ICSI) allow patients to conceive in case of female factor, male factor and unexplained infertility.
COST:
An IVF cycle in Lebanon is among the most affordable worldwide. In Azoury IVF Clinic, the cost of an IVF cycle is variable and depends on the couple’s needs and used technologies. A regular ICSI cycle costs between 2,000$ and 3,000$, including ovarian stimulation follow-up, oocyte pick up, ICSI, embryo laser-assisted hatching when necessary and embryo transfer.
IVF consultancy and psychological support are FREE. At any time during the cycle, the couple can schedule an appointment with Dr. Jessica Azoury.
For more details about the cost of additional services – like testicular biopsy, genetic screening of the embryo for sex selection (PGD) and egg and embryo freezing – please contact us.
The IVF Process step by step:
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Oocyte pick-up
Oocyte pick-up is the process through which the doctor aspirates the eggs from the woman’s ovaries and gives them to the embryology lab. This process is very quick and performed under local anesthesia to prevent pain.
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Sperm collection and preparation
Semen is generally collected by masturbation the same day of the oocyte pick-up. In case there are difficulties of ejaculation or in case of azoospermia (absence of spermatozoids in the semen), sperm cells can be aspirated or taken directly from the testes. Semen is then washed and prepared in the andrology lab before the fertilization step.
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Oocyte fertilization
Oocyte fertilization consists in joining the male sperm with the female’s egg in order to obtain an embryo. In conventional IVF (In Vitro fertilization), the oocyte is put in the presence of a big number of sperm cells and the best sperm cell enters the oocyte and fertilizes it. This technique requires a minimum concentration of motile sperm that is not always available in severe male infertility cases. In ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection), the embryologist selects a sperm cell depending on its morphology and motility and using a needle, injects it inside the egg. This technique is much more delicate than conventional IVF and requires much more effort and time but it guarantees a higher fertilization rate and is the only technique that can bypass severe male infertility.
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Embryo culture
After fertilization, the embryo spends 3 to 7 days in the IVF lab. During this time, the embryo undergoes its early development that consists mainly in a series of cell multiplication. Early embryo development is only possible in specific gas, PH and temperature conditions. That’s why embryo culture takes place in specialized incubators.
When the embryologist wants to check on an embryo that is cultured in a conventional incubator, he has to take it out of these specific conditions and check it under the microscope. This conditions change may be harmful for the embryo quality. The embryoscope is equipped with an integrated camera and the embryologist can check on the embryo without taking it out of the incubator. Hence, the embryo remains in stable conditions during all its early development and its quality is not affected.
For more information about the embryoscope advantages please click here (AI Embryoscope). -
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer can be performed any day after IVF, before the embryo has completely hatched out of its protecting Zona Pellucida. Embryo transfer is a very quick procedure and it is normally painless. The embryo is transferred to the cavity of the uterus, the closest possible to the endometrium. The transfer is monitored by ultrasound to allow a clear view of the exact place where the embryo is being released.
