In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has revolutionised reproductive healthcare, offering hope to countless couples facing infertility.
Since the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978, this technology has advanced significantly, providing families with new possibilities for having children.
Fast forward to November 2022, when King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) in A’ali, Bahrain, introduced cutting-edge assisted reproductive technologies and sophisticated digital equipment into its IVF programme for married couples, as per Bahrain Law. This includes five major techniques that position KHAMH as a leader in IVF within the country, all under the expert guidance of IVF/ART Centre director Dr Maryam Dashti.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This specialised procedure addresses male infertility issues by directly injecting a single sperm cell into an egg. This overcomes challenges like low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, reduced sperm motility, or even the absence of sperm in semen. ICSI is particularly beneficial for couples who have experienced unsuccessful fertilisation attempts with conventional IVF.
- Cryopreservation: KHAMH offers the ability to freeze both gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos. This is crucial for preserving fertility options for individuals or couples facing medical treatments like cancer or those who wish to delay parenthood.
Cryopreservation also enables multiple embryo transfers from a single IVF cycle, increasing the chances of successful pregnancy.
- Laser assisted hatching: This technique involves using a precisely controlled laser to create a tiny opening in the outer layer of the embryo (the zona pellucida). This assists the embryo in hatching from its protective shell, which can improve implantation rates and increase the likelihood of pregnancy success.
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): KHAMH offers comprehensive PGT to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities, inherited diseases, and chromosomal disorders.
A small number of cells are carefully removed from the embryo (embryo biopsy) and analysed for genetic defects. This allows for the selection and transfer of healthy embryos, significantly increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring.
- Early embryo viability assessment (Eeva): An IVF technology that uses time-lapse imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse embryo development and predict which ones are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
At KHAMH, time-lapse incubators are monitored from day two development providing a higher potential for implantation.
The ART-IVF centre adheres to international standards and best practices, ensuring that every aspect of the IVF process, from the handling of gametes and embryos to the culture media and equipment used, is subject to rigorous scrutiny.
“High quality technology... and very strict quality control measures are the foundation upon which successful outcomes are built,” emphasises Dr Dashti.
“These measures include continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, regular equipment calibration, and comprehensive staff training to minimise any potential risks and maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy.
“The centre’s state-of-the-art laboratory, with its cutting-edge technology and adherence to stringent quality control protocols, showcases the American Mission Hospital’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to its patients,” Dr Dashti further added.
Various factors can affect fertility, including body weight that can influence hormone levels in women. Being overweight or underweight can affect estrogen production, impacting ovulation regularity. A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is ideal for conception.
According to KHAMH Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN) and IVF consultant Dr Kamal Rageh, age is also a significant factor in both male and female fertility.
“Egg quality declines with age in women, and we also see an impact on sperm quality in older men,” he says.
“It’s important to remember that women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this supply gradually diminishes over time. Additionally, sperm quality can fluctuate due to various factors, including age, lifestyle choices and underlying medical conditions,” he adds.
Dr Rageh further remarks: “Our team is deeply committed to helping couples achieve their dream of starting a family.
“But we also understand that IVF is not just about medical procedures – it’s a personal, emotional journey. That’s why we go beyond the technology and provide support, guidance, and clear communication throughout the process. Our patients need to feel informed, empowered, and reassured at every step of their journey.”
To book a consultation, call KHAMH at 17177711 or WhatsApp 33644177.
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