Ebendorferstraße 6/4, 1010 Vienna, phone +43 (0)1 402 53 41

Supportive Measures

Make an appointment

Supportive Treatments in Fertility Medicine

Fertilisation is a remarkable event in which a sperm cell unites with an egg cell, marking the beginning of new life. While this process often occurs naturally, it can sometimes require medical assistance. When natural conception proves difficult, assisted reproductive techniques can help. Fertilisation may then take place in a laboratory setting.

In addition to standard medical procedures, there are innovative treatments designed to support both fertilisation and the successful implantation of the embryo. 

These methods can significantly improve the chances of conception and help couples achieve their dream of having a baby.

Fertilisation Support

These advanced medical techniques can enhance the success of fertilisation:

PICSI, Wunschkind Klinik Wien Dr. Brunbauer

P-ICSI (PHYSIOLOGICAL ICSI)

During P-ICSI, sperm cells are selected based on their maturity. Mature sperm can bind to hyaluronan, a substance naturally found in the egg's outer layer. Immature sperm lack this ability. Using this method, we select a mature sperm cell under a microscope for use in an ICSI treatment cycle.

This technique may increase the likelihood of successful fertilisation and pregnancy, as mature sperm are associated with lower DNA fragmentation and a higher chance of developing a healthy embryo.

Calcium Ionophore 

Calcium ionophore is used in cases where previous ICSI cycles have failed due to poor fertilisation. This technique can enhance fertilisation rates and improve pregnancy outcomes.

ZyMot Sperm Selection

The ZyMot chamber is a gentle and natural method for sperm preparation. Fresh sperm is placed into the chamber, where it must swim through a special membrane without external assistance. Only highly motile and healthy sperm can pass through. These selected sperm cells are then used for IUI, IVF, or ICSI.

ZyMot sperm preparation is associated with lower DNA fragmentation, which is often linked to poor embryo quality and recurrent miscarriages. Even if a standard semen analysis appears normal, DNA fragmentation can still impair fertility.

Key Benefits of ZyMot:

  • Improved sperm motility
  • Higher proportion of sperm with normal morphology
  • Increased fertilisation rates and higher embryo quality
  • Reduced oxidative stress, as centrifugation is avoided

Implantation Support

These innovative techniques can aid the implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining:

Assisted hatching

Sometimes, the embryo's outer shell fails to thin sufficiently as it develops, preventing successful implantation. Assisted hatching involves using a laser to gently thin or open the shell before embryo transfer, improving the chances of implantation.

Embryo-Glue 

EmbryoGlue is a culture medium with a consistency similar to the natural uterine environment. It contains hyaluronan, which helps the embryo attach to the uterine lining. EmbryoGlue surrounds the embryo and supports implantation by enhancing the contact between the embryo and the endometrium.

Immunotherapy with Immunoglobulins

In some cases, the maternal immune system may identify the embryo as foreign, preventing implantation or causing miscarriage. Immunoglobulin therapy can modulate the immune response, promoting successful implantation and reducing the risk of miscarriage.

LIMO - Intralipid Immunomodulation

LIMO infusions help lower natural killer (NK) cell activity, which can sometimes interfere with embryo implantation. This treatment is recommended for women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or implantation failure.

PRP - Endometrial Infusion

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves processing a small blood sample from the patient to obtain a concentrate of platelets and plasma. This platelet concentrate is rich in growth factors and is introduced into the uterus to stimulate endometrial growth.

PRP is particularly beneficial for women with thin endometrial linings, as it can enhance endometrial development and improve implantation rates.

Support After Implantation Failure

Endometrial Biopsy with Immunological Analysis 

For women who have experienced multiple miscarriages or repeated implantation failure, an endometrial biopsy may provide valuable insights. This procedure is performed between days 18 and 22 of the menstrual cycle. A small tissue sample is collected from the uterine lining using a fine catheter.

The sample is then analysed to assess two key immune cell types:

  • Uterine Natural Killer (uNK) Cells (CD56+):
    Normal range – up to 300/mm²

  • Uterine Plasma Cells (CD138+):
    Normal range – up to 5/mm²

If the analysis reveals abnormal levels of these cells, appropriate treatments such as immune-modulating therapies (e.g., soy infusions) or antibiotics can be recommended to improve implantation success.