In vitro fertilization has been widely known as an alternative method to help women who are struggling to conceive. It is a series of medical procedures used to treat fertility and genetic problems, which can cause women to have difficulty conceiving.
According to MayoClinic, IVF is a string of procedures used to address genetic and fertility problems so conception may take place.
During the procedure, mature egg cells are retrieved from the ovaries. These eggs are then fertilized with a sperm inside a laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryo is then injected into the woman's uterus. A cycle of an IVF process usually takes about two weeks.
Although IVF is known to have a high success rate, couples who decide to go through this process should understand that like any other produce, it may take time. It can cost a lot of money and will be invasive. There are also risks such as implanting more than one embryo in the mother's uterus (multiple births), low birth weight, and premature delivery.
According to other studies, however, experts have found that fertilizing egg and sperm cells in a petri dish in a laboratory can contribute to an increase risk of having genetic and health defects on the embryo that will be formed. However, according to Smart Parenting has reported that there may be a way to address this problem.
Professor Nick Macklon, of the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and the medical director of Complete Fertility Clinic, along with Anecova have found a way to counteract the effects of traditonal IVF by developing a device that will fertilize eggs and sperm in its most "natural" way.
"The aim is to maximize the time spent in the body rather than in the lab. The immediate benefit is reducing exposure at this very vulnerable time of human development when genes are being switched on and off," Prof. Macklon explained.
In the company's website, Anecova.com, they described AneVivo as a new device that can restore fertilization and early development of the embryo in the maternal uterine cavity. This is done by placing mature egg and sperm cells in a capsule before it is injected into the woman.
After 24 hours, doctors then remove the capsule which is 1cm long and 1mm wide. They then wait 2-4 days before selecting a healthy embryo to be injected into the mother's womb again with the hope that it will be healthy enough to reach pregnancy.
This cutting-edge device makes sure the embryos can start their life and develop closely with the maternal environment of the woman's uterus. It could give a lot of health benefits for the growing baby, as it will gain access to nutrients from the mother. It will also limit exposure to the artificial culture fluids used in the laboratory.
Video Credit: Youtube.com/HKRMC
