As we look around our world, we see life everywhere. Forests, fields the oceans and the sea, flora and fauna are abound. The world is fertile, and that includes us as human beings. The fertility of the planet, and everything upon it is, in essence, evolution.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “Fertility” as “The ability to produce babies, young animals, fruit or new plants”. As the planet, and everything upon it evolves, we give little thought to fertility. That is of course, unless it affects us as individuals.
As a person grows and develops, it is assumed that they will, at maturity, reproduce and create new life. The natural gift of fertility is taken for granted. Sadly, at times, nature falls short of perfection, and the assumption of being fertile is brought into question.
Human fertility is not a given constant, its variables are almost incalculable. In simple terms, some people are more fertile than others. For those that are less fertile the frustration, disappointment and heartache of struggling to create new life, can be devastating.
For those with fertility issues, medical science now has the knowledge and expertise to enhance existing levels of fertility, thus, increasing the probability of conception and birthing of new life. The scientific enhancements of nature have relieved innumerable couples of the disappointment of being unable to have a baby.
Samitivej Hospital Fertility Center
The fertility center, based in Bangkok, is a modern, advanced facility unequalled in the country and a global leader. Here, the very best knowledge, cutting edge techniques and the most up to date equipment harmonize to create one seamless process which has become the envy of all others.
Samitivej Hospital’s dedicated Fertility Center is an acknowledged leader in its field. The center has converted hope to happiness for couples from across the kingdom and the wider world. Locals and expat visitors are drawn to Samitivej Hospital’s Fertility Center by their remarkable rates of success and the new, innovative techniques developed by their experts.
Samitivej Hospital Fertility Center Diagnostics
As with any area of medicine, accurate diagnostics are essential. At the fertility clinic, modern diagnostic techniques, enhanced by cutting edge technology, are employed. The clinic utilizes pelvic examinations and vaginal ultrasound scans. Hormonal assessment, sperm analysis, selection and retrieval are considered routine as part of the clinics thorough diagnostic program.
Science Mirrors Nature
There is the old saying, “Nature Knows Best”, which is very true. The experts at Samitivej Hospital know that there is little to be gained by defying nature. Nature and natural processes should never be ignored. At Samitivej Hospital’s Fertility Center, the opposite is true. Here they work hand in hand with the natural processes of life.
Traditional fertility treatments attempt to stimulate ovulation, this would normally be done via the use of hormone injections. These injections stimulate the ovaries in such a way that they produce more eggs. After the eggs mature, they are taken from the woman for insemination. The increased number of mature eggs improves the chance of a successful pregnancy.
The IVM process (In vitro maturation) is part of the well perfected IVF process (In vitro fertilization). In 2016 the Samitivej technicians decided on redevelopment of the IVM process by developing the Modulator IVM, and became the first center of its kind to successfully use this system.
They can now take immature eggs from the woman’s ovaries and transfer them to the laboratory for maturation. The Maturation takes place via a special culture medium which has a small quantity of hormones added. Once fully mature the eggs can then be injected with sperm to achieve fertilization.
Following laboratory fertilization, and similar to the IVF process, the fertilized eggs will remain in the culture for between 2 and 3 days. Following this period in culture, the embryos can then be transferred to the woman’s womb where a normal pregnancy can be expected.
Up to just a few years ago, the IVM process was still underdeveloped. It is thanks to the drive and expertise of the technicians at Samitivej Hospital that the new Modulator IVM process is now available and is increasing the number of successful pregnancies where there were otherwise issues with fertility. The IVM process is entirely safe and closely mirrors natures own way egg maturation.
There are laboratory processes that are common in both the IVF and IVM systems of treatment. However, IVM treatment doesn’t include ovarian stimulation by injections, negating the minimal risk and pain that can go with it. With the IVM process immature eggs are harvested form the body and allowed to mature in the laboratory.
The IVM process that has been developed At Samitivej Hospital is now a popular choice for couples with fertility issues. This is largely due to it being a more efficient process, safer and with far less side effects. It is also more appropriate for couples with certain other medical conditions.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening
Preimplantation Genetic Screening, or PGS is an essential process that takes place prior to IVM treatment. PGS is a screening process to identify chromosome abnormalities and embryonic irregularities. This screening is helpful in diagnosing the risks of a child being born with Down’s syndrome. Only eggs free of any abnormalities and with a normal chromosome count will be transferred to the uterus.
Uterine Receptivity Testing
Uterine receptivity testing is essential in ascertaining how receptive the women’s uterus is before embryo implantation is undertaken. This testing procedure includes close analysis of all 238 genes that are normally associated with uterine maturation.
Expert uterine receptivity testing and gene analysis by Samitivej’s highly trained professionals also includes screening of the mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the source of energy for the embryonic cells. Collectively, this testing procedure can increase the chance of successful conception by up to 50%.
There can be no doubt that the Samitivej Hospital Fertility Clinic leads the field in its specialist area of medical science, and the worldwide recognition that it has, is fully justified. The clinic can also undertake certain surgical procedures that may be required as part of a clients fertility program, such as reversing a previous ovariectomy, or female castration ovariectomy.