Egg fertilization is the process of combining an egg (oocyte) with sperm in a highly controlled laboratory environment. The result is an embryo, which can then be transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
At Ovumia, we apply internationally recognized best practices to ensure the highest standard of care and maximize your chances of success.
In conventional IVF, sperm and eggs are placed together in a laboratory dish. Sperm naturally fertilizes the eggs, a process that closely resembles natural conception, but under optimized lab conditions.
This method is typically recommended when both sperm and egg quality are good, for example, in cases of unexplained infertility, mild ovulation issues, or blocked fallopian tubes (with good sperm parameters).
After sperm and eggs are combined in the laboratory dish, they are placed in an incubator where fertilization occurs naturally under carefully controlled conditions. The following day, embryologists assess how many eggs have fertilized and continue culturing the embryos.
When sperm quality is reduced, e.g. low sperm quantity, poor motility or abnormal morphology. When sperm are surgically retrieved (for instance after vasectomy or with testicular biopsy), we also use ICSI.
ICSI involves microinjection of a single carefully selected sperm into the cytoplasm of a matured egg. This gives the egg a better chance to be fertilized, regardless of sperm concentration or motility.
After microinjection, eggs are cultured in an incubator under strictly controlled conditions. About 15-18 hours later, embryologists check the fertilization and continue to culture the embryos.
Ovumia’s specialists will guide you in choosing the treatment option that best suits your individual needs. The choice of treatment is influenced by factors such as sperm quality and your previous treatment history. When fertilizing frozen eggs, ICSI is always used.
Egg fertilisation (IVF / ICSI) may be recommended when:
Thanks to modern lab techniques (IVF and ICSI) and individualized treatment planning, majority of couples achieve pregnancy even when facing significant fertility challenges.
The development of fertilized eggs into embryos is closely monitored in the laboratory. Using modern technology, our highly experienced laboratory staff ensure optimal culture conditions for embryo development.
Embryos are cultured in specialized cell culture cabinets known as incubators. The conditions inside the incubators are carefully controlled, with temperature and gas concentrations continuously monitored to maintain the ideal environment.
Embryo development is observed over several days, from day 0 until day 6 of culture depending on the treatment plan. During the culture, the development of some embryos may naturally stop. Only high-quality embryos are selected for transfer or cryopreservation for future use. Throughout the entire culture period, your embryos are cared for with the utmost attention by our highly skilled and experienced embryologists.
Do you want to know more about IVF or ICSI? Our specialists are here to help you.
