For In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracitoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) treatments, embryo culture is one of the most important phases of treatment.

This process begins with the union of the ovum and the sperm; that is, fertilization, in a culture plate for between 1 to 6 days, cultivating and ending by transferring the embryos to the uterus or freezing by cryopreservation.

In general, embryo transfer takes place after 48 or 72 hours after puncture; but it can be classified into two types according to its duration:

• Short crop. Until day 2 or 3.
• Long cultivation. To the blastocyst stage.

To decide what type of culture is indicated, the quantity of eggs obtained, the quality of the embryos on the third day is taken into account.

The expression “leave the embryo in sequential culture”; refers to letting the embryo develop until 5 or 6 days before transferring it to the uterus. When becoming a blastocyst now has a high potential for implantation, this increases the rate of having a successful pregnancy

To perform an embryo culture the conditions must be perfectly regulated, any alteration can affect the correct development and compromise the success of the implantation.

The aspects that must be controlled are temperature, humidity, concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Laboratory staff will monitor you regularly to ensure you are growing properly.

Culture media for embryos 

The culture medium used can affect the quality of the embryos and this to the success rate.

Depending on its composition you can distinguish between:

• Sequential media. Specific nutrients are offered during the first days of development and changed on the third day.
• Unique media. It contains all the necessary nutrients for the embryo to consume in each of its stages.

When is embryo culture performed?

• By having low levels of implantation that cause recurrent abortions.
• Waiting for the results of a Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).
• To avoid multiple gestation, a single embryo of good quality is transferred.

In Advanced Fertility Center Cancun we have sequential cultivation to optimize and monitor the development of embryos. Our sequential means cover the metabolic and nutritional needs of embryos according to the stage they are in.

If you are interested in attending our clinic contact us, our specialists will provide more information.

We are located in the city of Cancun, Mexico

Advanced Fertility Center Cancun, reproduction and assisted fertility clinic