ART Procedures (IVF, ICSI)

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have become an effective solution for those who want to become parents but are unable to do so naturally. For couples in whom germ cell maturation (sperm and oocytes) is not impaired, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is indicated.

According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the proportion of children born with the help of assisted technologies in developed countries ranges from 3% to 5%.

The global average success rate of artificial fertilization is 30-35%, while European clinics achieve 50-55% success rates per IVF cycle. This means that more than half of couples become parents after their very first attempt. For this reason, couples who have struggled with infertility treatment for many years in their home countries often choose IVF in leading international clinics.

Features of ART procedures in leading European clinics

World-class medical centers employ a unique method of in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in laboratory conditions as part of IVF. This technique is an excellent alternative to stimulated oocyte retrieval, particularly when exogenous (externally administered) hormone therapy is problematic or poses health risks.

According to the Fertility and Sterility Journal, the oocyte maturation rate in European clinics’ laboratories is 80%, which is considered a very high indicator in reproductive medicine.

Indications for IVM:

• Liver diseases, where administration of high-dose hormone therapy is contraindicated
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Precancerous and cancerous conditions of the reproductive organs and breast
• Benign hormone-dependent tumors and endometriosis

IVF procedure with in vitro oocyte maturation

Below is the scheme of IVF with in vitro oocyte maturation. In this procedure, oocytes measuring 5-10 mm are retrieved from existing follicles. The maturation process then takes place in an incubator under controlled conditions.

Oocytes are female germ cells formed during fetal development in the process of oogenesis. A girl is born with a predetermined number of oocytes. During each subsequent cycle, one oocyte matures within the dominant follicle.

The distinctive feature of the IVM method is that immature oocytes are collected under ultrasound guidance. After retrieval, oocytes are placed in specialized culture media enriched with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Within 24-36 hours, they reach full maturity (metaphase II) and become ready for fertilization.

Another unique ART method is ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which allows targeted fertilization of the oocyte. It is used in cases of male infertility, when sperm motility and quality are reduced.
In top clinics, when spermatozoa show severe damage factors, there is also the possibility of “planning” the child’s sex by performing preimplantation genetic analysis before embryo transfer.