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World Embryologist Day, also known as World IVF Day, is observed globally every year on July 25th to honour embryologists' contributions and progress in infertility and reproductive medicine. It is a global healthcare event where the medical community organises workshops and seminars to upgrade their skills according to the latest assisted reproductive technology.
In this blog, we will learn about the history and significance of World Embryologist Day and IVF treatment.
History of World Embryologist Day
World Embryologist Day is celebrated annually on the 25th of July to mark the birth of the world’s first test tube baby, Louise Brown, in 1978, as a result of successful efforts by Dr Robert Geoffery Edwards, Dr Patrick Christopher Steptoe, and Nurse Jean Marian Purdy. In 2010, Dr. Edwards received a Nobel Prize for developing IVF.
Significance of World Embryologist Day
Infertility is a common condition in both men and women. It is estimated that one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility. An embryologist is a medical professional who assesses an individual’s fertility level and studies eggs, sperm and embryos. They play a vital role in the IVF process by keeping the reproductive material safe and ensuring the healthy growth and development of the embryo. An embryologist performs many functions such as
- Egg retrieval and processing
- Insemination
- Looking for signs of fertilisation
- Monitoring the development of the embryo
- Embryo transfer, preservation, genetic testing and maintaining lab conditions.
An embryologist’s work makes a massive difference in the lives of many childless couples; hence, their contribution is recognised and honoured by the celebration of World Embryologists Day. This day celebrates the milestones achieved in the field of embryology.
World Embryologist Day Theme
World Embryologist Day is celebrated every year with a unique theme to
- Educate people about scientific breakthroughs in reproductive medicine.
- Discuss infertility issues and raise awareness about infertility prevention and treatment options.
- Promote further research.
What is IVF?
IVF, or In-Vitro Fertilisation, is an assisted reproductive technology which involves fertilising a matured egg with a sperm outside the body in a lab. It is a complicated process to help people having infertility issues, conceive artificially. After fertilisation, the fertilised egg or an embryo is placed in the uterus. Once the embryo is implanted into the uterine wall, pregnancy occurs. People choose IVF in the following situations.
- In the case of blocked fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
- To avoid passing genetic disorders
- To have a baby without a partner
- Same-sex couples
Stages of IVF Process
The IVF process begins only after a detailed consultation with a doctor who first understands your medical history before deciding on the ideal regime. The doctor then asks the patients to undergo some IVF tests to get an idea of whether the IVF treatment is a good option or not. The IVF process involves multiple stages or steps.
Oestrogen or Birth Control Pills
These are prescribed before starting the IVF treatment, to boost the development of eggs. It controls menstruation to retrieve the maximum number of mature eggs.
Hormone Medication to Stimulate Ovary
In a healthy female’s natural cycle, only one egg matures for ovulation. However, in the IVF process, hormones are injected to stimulate the ovary, enabling multiple eggs to mature simultaneously.
Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval starts 36 hours after the last hormone injection. Eggs are extracted from the follicle using a thin needle and a suction device. The extracted eggs are kept in a special solution in a dish, which is then put into an incubator for a controlled environment.
Fertilisation
Once the eggs are retrieved, the embryologist uses an intracytoplasmic sperm injection to fertilise the matured eggs. If fertilisation is successful, the egg becomes an embryo.
Development of Embryo
An embryo's development takes place in the next 5 to 6 days and is carefully monitored. Generally, 50% of the embryos develop to the blastocyst stage, which is suitable for transfer to the uterus. Embryos suitable for transfer are frozen for future transfers.
Embryo transfer
There are two types of embryo transfers: fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer. Both have the same procedure. Fresh embryos are transferred immediately after fertilisation is complete. However, frozen embryo transfer can happen years after embryo fertilisation. The embryos are injected into the uterus in under 10 minutes. Is embryo transfer painful? The answer depends on the individual, as the experience varies from person to person. Usually, it is a simple procedure without any pain.
Pregnancy
After the embryo is implanted into the uterus lining, pregnancy happens within 9 to 14 days after the embryo transfer procedure. Here are IVF day-by-day symptoms women experience after embryo transfer.
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Tiredness
- Change in discharge
- Frequent urination
- Missed period
- Spotting
- Lower back pain
IVF is an entirely safe procedure. However, its success depends on many factors, such as the health, age, and medical history of the person undergoing it.
Summing Up!
World Embryologist Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about embryology's importance and debunk myths associated with the IVF procedure. If you are considering IVF treatment for pregnancy, ensure that you have a suitable maternity insurance policy to cover the maternity expenses. Nowadays, some health insurance policies also provide coverage for IVF treatment, easing the financial burden.
Care Health Insurance provides coverage for assisted reproductive treatment under its zone-based health cover Care Classic, subject to terms and conditions. You can consider this plan alongside the Care Joy maternity insurance policy. For details, contact Care Health Insurance or visit the company website today.
>> Also Read: Health Insurance for IVF Treatment
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
