In Vitro Fertilization: IVF Treatment in Israel

IVF at Ichilov Medical Center

The Center offers a comprehensive evaluation of infertile couples, along with genetic testing. Since the IVF Center’s creation in 1984, nearly 7,000 couples have gone through the process of fertility evaluation, and as many as 4,000 “test-tube babies” have been born to parents who were able to fulfill their dream.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of reproductive technology procedures that are used to fertilize an egg with sperm in laboratory conditions, outside of the female body. The fertilized egg is incubated for 2 to 5 days, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus for further growth and development.  The fertility treatment options are determined based on the diagnosis

At the IVF Center at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center the fertility treatment cycle begins with a gynecological exam. The sperm and the eggs are evaluated prior to IVF, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is performed on early embryos. This project is jointly implemented with the Institute of Genetics.

One of the most important stages of in-vitro fertilization is embryo transfer of fertilized embryos into the uterus. Occasionally, transfer does not produce a pregnancy. To cope with the difficulty encountered during the transfer stage, here at our medical center we employ the use of advanced technology which enhances the odds for pregnancy:

The Embryoscope is a device which simulates optimal conditions for embryonic development in their natural environment, the uterus. In Israel, the device was first employed at Tel Aviv Medical Center in 2012. The device is unique in that in combination with a microscope connected to a computer placed within a state-of-the-art incubator it allows image acquisition of the embryos at 20 minute intervals throughout all hours of the day.  This enables monitoring at every stage of embryonic development without extracting them from the incubator, which is standard practice when this device is not used. The advantages of using the Embryoscope are paramount for success, as it ensures that the embryos are able to develop untouched by man from the fertilization stage through to the transfer stage. Evidence shows that growing embryos in the Embryoscope improves the chances for pregnancy and allows physicians to restrict the number of embryos transferred to the uterus, thereby minimizing the risk of multiple births.

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is performed before the embryo is transferred to the uterus and enables physicians to choose the most genetically healthy embryos for implantation, thereby improving chances for pregnancy.
The IVF unit offers a variety of treatments for all types of fertility problems associated with hormonal imbalances, structural changes of the uterus and ovaries, poor sperm quality and more.

Services provided at the IVF unit

• IVF Laboratory
  
  The laboratory is equipped with three high-resolution microscopes for micromanipulations, allowing sperm to be injected directly into an egg. The laboratory also performs pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).The IVF laboratory features two cryopreservation systems for embryos, cells, and tissues. The egg and embryo cryopreservation facility is also available. There are separate sterile areas specially designated for genetic tests.
  Molecular genetic testing is performed using the most sophisticated equipment. Self-contained facilities are available for cytogenetic tests. Laboratory equipment is continuously monitored.

• Ovulation Induction
  
  Our expert physicians use advanced medications, innovative techniques and state-of-the-art technology to produce high quality matured eggs.
  Several ovulation induction protocols are available at the IVF Center. In each specific case, the treatment is strictly individualized and the fertility treatment protocols are tailored to each female patient.

• Micromanipulation (ICSI)
  
  When infertility is caused by poor sperm quality or low sperm count (male infertility), we use a micromanipulation technique, called ICSI.
  A single sperm is inserted directly into an egg through microinjection under a microscope.
  On the second or third day after the retrieval, the embryo is re-introduced into the woman’s uterus.

At Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) we are witness to the wonderful outcomes of our treatments on our patients. This further incentivizes us to maintain our standards of excellence.
If you want to attain the dream of parenthood, we are here to help.