Additional ART Treatments

The assisted reproductive technologies have provided a number of techniques which markedly improve chances for conception for patients who face significant difficulties with fertilization and implantation. The andrology and embryology team members at MCRH are skilled in virtually all aspects of advanced techniques, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted zona hatching (AZH) of embryos and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique which involves injecting a single sperm into the egg using micromanipulation techniques. It may be used in cases where there is male-factor (low sperm quantity or quality) issues, and for patients who have previously undergone IVF with poor fertilization results. ICSI has been shown to dramatically improve fertilization in these patients.

AZH
In some cases, the embryo has a difficult time completing the hatching process. Assisted zona hatching (AZH) is used in such cases and is performed by creating a small hole in the shell (zona pellucida) that surrounds the embryo. By creating this hole artificially, embryos are better able to escape the zona, increasing the chance of implantation and pregnancy.

PGD
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a process used with IVF to test embryos for genetic disorders before they are transferred back into the uterus. PGD may be performed in patients at risk of passing on serious inherited disorders to their children.