We work with Ovation Fertility to provide state-of-the-art IVF lab services and equipment – a partnership that gives you access to the most advanced fertility treatments.
The quality of IVF lab services can have a significant effect on the success rates of IVF. Texas Fertility Center’s Ovation® Fertility IVF lab is equipped with the scientific team and state-of-the-art equipment needed to maximize IVF outcomes.
In vitro fertilization involves stimulation of multiple follicles to grow from the ovaries using injectable medications. The eggs are then removed from the body during an outpatient procedure and fertilized in the laboratory. A variety of IVF lab services may then come into play during an IVF cycle.
Advanced IVF lab services
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): If there is significant male factor infertility, our fertility specialists may recommend ICSI as a part of your IVF procedure. With conventional IVF, sperm and egg are placed in a dish overnight, where fertilization takes place. With ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into the egg. Other reasons to use ICSI include the presence of anti-sperm antibodies, a plan for PGT-M, previous low fertilization rates with conventional IVF, or use of previously frozen eggs.
Assisted hatching: A human egg has a shell called a zona pellucida that the sperm must penetrate to allow for fertilization. After fertilization, the embryo grows for a period of five to six days, then needs to hatch to implant in the uterus. Assisted hatching refers to the formation of a hole in the shell to help hatching take place. This is not always necessary, and your fertility specialist will be able to advise you about the merits of assisted hatching and other IVF lab services that may enhance your results.
Oocyte vitrification (egg freezing): With many IVF cycles, all mature eggs that are removed are exposed to sperm for fertilization. Any suitable embryos are then either transferred or frozen for future use. For some patients, freezing eggs is preferable. A common reason is to preserve fertility in patients facing cancer treatment, as chemotherapy or radiation can severely affect egg numbers. Egg freezing is one of our more popular IVF lab services because a growing number of women are opting to electively freeze their eggs as an option to have children later in life.
Preimplantation genetic testing: It is now possible to directly test cells from the embryo to screen for chromosomal errors (PGT-A), specific genetic diseases (PGT-M), or specific chromosomal rearrangements (PGT-SR). Of the three, PGT-A is most commonly performed and is an option for all patients undergoing IVF. PGT-M and PGT-SR are used in more specific circumstances. With any of these subtypes, only chromosomally or genetically “normal” embryos will be transferred into the uterus. As part of our available IVF lab services, a skilled embryologist will remove sample cells from each embryo to be sent to a specialized genetics lab for testing.
Preconception genetic testing: At TFC, we recommend that all patients have genetic screening before starting fertility treatment. Certain genetic diseases are carried by many individuals, even if there is no history of the disease in the family. A carrier has one abnormal copy of a gene and one normal copy of a gene, so they do not show signs of the disease. However, if both members of a couple are carriers, there is up to a 25% chance that a baby will have the disease. Screening can be performed through a blood test to determine if you are a carrier for a multitude of various genetic conditions. If you and you partner are both carriers, a genetic counseling session can be arranged, so that you understand the disease and the impact on future pregnancies.
Learn more about IVF
The entire care team at TFC and Ovation Fertility share your goal of achieving a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Contact us to learn more about IVF in San Antonio and our advanced IVF lab services.