Embryology consultation - information for Invimed patients

An embryology consultation is professional help in understanding laboratory processes during infertility treatment. Embryology is the branch of science that studies the development of embryos from fertilisation to birth. In Infertility Treatment Clinics, embryologists evaluate ova, prepare sperm, perform IVF/ICSI procedures and monitor embryo development. The consultation helps to clarify the quality of the gametes, the course of the IVF cycle and the possible causes of failure. Benefit from expert knowledge to better understand your path to parenthood.

Do you have questions about the quality of your ova, embryos or the IVF procedure? Take advantage of a free embryology consultation at Invimed. An embryologist will help you to better understand the processes in the laboratory and get answers to your questions about egg, sperm and embryo development. Make an appointment for a consultation.

Highlights

• Clinical embryology covers all stages of IVF/ICSI procedures, from gamete evaluation to embryo culture and prenatal diagnosis.

• Embryologists are involved in assessing the quality of oocytes, preparing sperm, monitoring embryo development and freezing embryos.

• Embryology consultations at Invimed help to understand laboratory processes and explain the causes of failure in infertility treatment.

• Consultations can be arranged via the contact form, by telephone on 500 900 888 or at the clinic reception.

The embryology consultation at Invimed is completely free of charge for all patients who:

• have started preparations for assisted reproduction procedures,

• are undergoing treatment,

• or have had an ART (in vitro / insemination) procedure that has failed.

It is a space where patients can better understand the processes in the laboratory and get answers to questions about egg, sperm and embryo development.

What does embryology do?

Embryology is the branch of science that studies the processes involved in the formation, development and implantation of the embryo and the development of the foetus up to birth. It includes, among other things, genetic, morphological, physiological and pathological issues related to pre-implantation and prenatal developmental stages.

It distinguishes clinical embryology, a field that is mainly carried out in the laboratories of infertility clinics. Clinical embryologists are usually biologists, biotechnologists, medical analysts or bioinformaticians with a master's or doctoral degree, specialising in genetics, developmental biology and assisted reproduction techniques.

Scope of work of embryologists at Invimed

In Invimed's embryology laboratories, embryologists deal with, among other things:

• isolation of oocytes collected during puncture of ovarian follicles,

• morphological evaluation of ova

• preparation of oocytes for the in vitro procedure,

• evaluation and preparation of semen for insemination and in vitro fertilisation,

• performance of procedures IVF/ICSI/PICSI/IMSI/HBIMSI and IVM,

• culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage,

• performing embryo biopsies for research PGT-A, PGT-SR and PGT-M,

• monitoring embryo development (also by time-lapse),

• preparing embryos for transfer,

• freezing, thawing and storage of gametes and ovarian tissue,

• vitrification of oocytes and embryos,

• advanced semen diagnostics, including:

  • CASA,
  • SCD,
  • HBA,
  • MSOME.

• running a germ cell and embryo bank.

Free embryology consultations - for whom?

• The consultation is open to all Invimed patients qualified for ART procedures at their clinic. A doctor's referral is not required for the visit, although it is often the doctor who recommends it.

What does the consultation look like?

On-site consultation

• The patient reports to reception, where their identity is verified.

• The meeting takes place in the embryologist's office and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Telephone consultation

• The embryologist calls 500 900 886.

• At the beginning of the interview, the patient's identity is confirmed.

• If there is no response, three contact attempts are made.

What do we discuss during the consultation?

During the visit, the embryologist discusses with the patient, among other things:

• the course of an IVF or IUI cycle,

• embryo development and quality and oocyte maturity,

• factors affecting gamete quality (e.g. age, endometriosis, PCOS, lifestyle),

• semen test results and choice of appropriate insemination method,

• factors that may affect embryo implantation,

• the basis for PGT testing (if applicable to the case),

• possible further courses of action.

The embryologist provides information on laboratory processes and results, while treatment decisions are always made by the attending physician.

Why use a consultation?

Consultation helps:

• understand the stages of the laboratory,

• explain the results of the various stages of the cycle,

• assess possible causes of failure,

• sort out further therapeutic options.

It is a safe space to ask questions and address concerns. Medication, pacing protocols or medical decisions are not discussed during the consultation - this is entirely up to the treating doctor.

How do I schedule a consultation with an embryologist?

Patients qualified for assisted reproduction procedures can make an appointment for a free consultation:

• via the contact form,

• by telephone: 500 900 888,

• at the reception of the selected Invimed clinics.

Consulting embryologists

Invimed Warsaw Mokotow

Dr. n. vet.

Marta Bogucka

Head of embryology laboratory

Invimed Warsaw Prague

MA

Bartłomiej Wojtasik

Director of Embryology at Invimed Clinics, ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist

Invimed Wrocław

dr n. biol.

Agnieszka Popow-Woźniak

Head of embryology laboratory, ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist at Invimed Wrocław

MA

Maciej Domański

Advanced Senior Embryologist, ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist at Invimed Wrocław

MA

Kamila Gawor

Clinical Embryologist of the Polish Society of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology

Invimed Poznań

M.Sc.

Anna Kalabuk

Head of Embryology Laboratory, Advanced Senior Embryologist, Clinical Embryologist PTMRiE, Centre and Bank Quality Officer

MA

Anna Witucka

ESHRE Clinical Embryologist, quality specialist at the centre and bank, embryologist

Invimed Katowice

M.Sc.

Robert Szachoń

M.Sc.

Małgorzata Żelechowska-Szachoń

Invimed Gdynia

dr n. biol.

Wioletta Nowicka

Advanced Senior Embryologist, ESHRE Clinical Embryologist, PTMRiE Clinical Embryologist, Centre and Bank Quality Officer

dr n. biol.

Patrycja Juchniewicz

Senior Embryologist, Centre and Bank Quality Officer

MA

Pawel Bielanowski

Junior embryologist

Bibliography

1. Moore, K. L., Persaud, T. V. N., & Torchia, M. G. (2013). Embryology and birth defects. From fertilisation to birth (polish ed. M. Zabel, H. Bartel). Wrocław: Edra Urban & Partner. ISBN: 978-83-7609-887-6
2. Centre for Medical Postgraduate Education. (2023). Programme of specialisation in the field of clinical embryology for persons holding a Master's degree obtained in the field of studies in: biology, biotechnology, medical analytics/laboratory medicine. Warsaw: CMKP.
3. Parmegiani, L., Cognigni, G. E., Ciampaglia, W., Pocognoli, P., Marchi, F., & Filicori, M. (2010). Efficiency of hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 27(1), 13-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9380-0
4. Regulation of the Minister of Health of 13 June 2017 on specialisations in fields applicable to health care (Journal of Laws 2017, item 1217, as amended; unified text Journal of Laws 2023, item 1771).