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Our Dallas IVF center is led by Scientific Laboratory Director Oscar Perez, Ph.D., and fertility doctors at Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates. We understand that overcoming infertility sometimes needs a little science. When it comes to female infertility, we have many options to make pregnancy possible, from IUI and ovulation induction to egg freezing and IVF with preimplantation genetic screening, PGS.

Embryology is the science behind the development of an embryo, from the fertilization of the ovum (egg) to the fetus stage of pregnancy. This is the basis for infertility treatments such as IVF.

Embryologists are scientists that study and research the early growth and formation of life, from the fusing of cells to the end of a pregnancy. These highly trained scientists play a vital role in the journey to pregnancy for infertile couples. Embryologists at our Dallas IVF center have credentials that include doctorate and master’s degrees in fields such as biology, microbiology and molecular biology, as well as certifications by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

During the course of infertility treatments, our embryologists are there from start to finish, assisting in harvesting eggs and overseeing the fertilization process as part of an IVF cycle. We specialize in optimizing pregnancy rates.

Embryologists’ responsibilities surpass scientific knowledge and mastering the techniques that prepare sperm and egg to create embryos. They are also responsible for the environment that fosters the growth and development of those embryos. The Dallas IVF embryology lab differs from other labs in that the environment must be tightly controlled so the conditions can mimic those of a woman’s fallopian tubes and uterus. This is accomplished by embryologists well versed in state-of-the-art technology and equipment that regulates and tests environmental conditions, including temperature, air quality and humidity.

Embryologists also perform advanced reproductive procedures at our Dallas IVF center that help hopeful parents get pregnant, preserve fertility and expand their reproductive options.

Laser assisted hatching – Age, endometriosis or other factors can prevent a fertilized egg (embryo) from implanting in the uterus. Laser assisted hatching is a technique that uses a laser to thin a fertilized egg’s outer shell to increase its chance of implanting.

Cryopreservation of eggs and embryos – Embryos that are not transferred during the fresh embryo transfer procedure may be suitable for cryopreservation (freezing) so that they can be used in the future. Once frozen, embryos are stored in tanks filled with liquid nitrogen for as many years as parents-to-be desire. Oocyte cryopreservation, egg freezing, allows a woman’s eggs to be preserved. This is very helpful for women facing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, or for women who want to preserve fertility for later in life.

ICSI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – This procedure is used when severe male infertility is suspected. ICSI involves using microscopic instruments to remove the cumulus cells surrounding the egg, allowing the embryologist to assess egg maturity and egg quality. After the sperm preparation procedure, a single sperm is injected into each egg, greatly increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization.

Embryo screening or preimplantation genetic screening, PGS – This screening test is used to determine if genetic or chromosomal disorders are present in embryos produced through IVF. The embryologist can identify embryos with genetic abnormalities, helping to create a healthy set of embryos. Such testing can also offer couples with unexplained miscarriages and women of advanced maternal age improved IVF success rates.

To access the embryology services that make pregnancy possible, please contact our Dallas IVF center.