IVF News

Eligibility Criteria 

    B.Sc (Science) 
     MBBS
     BDS
     BAMS

     BHMS
    Pharmacy
    Any other equivalent degree                                                                                                                                  B.Sc Nursing 
    BVSc 
    Dairy
    Fishery 
    Engineering with Science (Biotechnology and Life science related)

For application form and prospectus
Email: [email protected]                                                                                                                 Website : www.embryologytraining.com                                                                                                           Contact: 9108849758 

For the first time in medical history, a man who was rendered infertile by chemotherapy in childhood has received a transplant of cryopreserved immature testicular tissue that had been frozen for 16 years. This procedure, performed by researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Brussels IVF at UZ Brussel, aims to restore sperm cell production in patients whose fertility was severely compromised by cancer treatments before they reached puberty. The tissue was transplanted in both the testicle and the scrotum, and the ultimate goal is to see whether new sperm cells can be produced autonomously, leading to the possibility of fatherhood with the help of assisted reproductive technology if needed.

The rationale behind this approach lies in the preservation of testicular stem cells, which are crucial for sperm production. In boys undergoing potentially fertility-threatening treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation before puberty, doctors can remove and freeze small fragments of testicular tissue containing these stem cells. Once the patient reaches adulthood and wants to explore family planning options, the frozen tissue can be reintroduced to encourage sperm production. This concept, developed through years of laboratory research, has opened a vital doorway for young individuals who might otherwise face lifelong infertility.

After the transplant, the patient will be evaluated over a period of one year through regular blood tests, hormone analysis, ultrasounds, and semen sampling every three months. Because the transplanted tissue fragments are not directly linked to the patient’s existing sperm duct, spontaneous sperm appearance in the semen is not guaranteed. However, if the newly produced sperm cells are found within the testicular tissue, they can potentially be used later on through assisted reproductive techniques. At the end of the year, the transplanted fragments will be removed and examined to confirm whether they have succeeded in generating mature sperm. Additional samples will be taken from other areas of the testis to determine whether the procedure has stimulated wider sperm cell production.

These pioneering steps build on a clinical fertility preservation program at UZ Brussel that began in 2002, the first of its kind worldwide to collect and store testicular tissue from young boys facing fertility-threatening treatments. The collaborative efforts have expanded under the guidance of leading scientists, who continue to refine methods of both tissue transplantation and in vitro sperm production. This second strategy, still under development, could one day serve as an alternative for patients whose tissue is found to contain cancer cells or who cannot successfully undergo a transplant procedure.

Looking ahead, this milestone offers renewed hope to cancer survivors and children affected by other serious illnesses that require aggressive treatments. While there are no absolute guarantees that the procedure will result in fatherhood for all patients, the possibility of restoring fertility now exists where it did not before. By freezing testicular tissue prior to puberty and reintegrating it after completing cancer treatment, the medical community has taken a transformative step toward ensuring that childhood survivors of serious diseases have broader, more promising options when they consider building families in adulthood.

Source

11 January 2025. VUB

• World first - First ever transplant of frozen testicular tissue after chemotherapy during childhood provides hope for fertility restoration

Embarking on a career in embryology offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The University of Oxford’s MSc in Clinical Embryology is a prestigious program designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility, and ART.

Program Overview
This intensive one-year, full-time master’s course is tailored for individuals from scientific or clinical backgrounds. It provides advanced understanding and hands-on training in various laboratory techniques essential for ART, including vitrification, gamete micromanipulation, and infra-red laser biopsy.

Hands-On Experience
A distinctive feature of the course is the emphasis on practical laboratory skills. Students receive individual training on micromanipulation and laser biopsy equipment, utilizing human sperm and surplus human oocytes when available. Additionally, the program includes time spent with senior clinicians and embryologists at TFP Oxford Fertility, providing real-world insights into clinical practices.

Application and Scholarships
Applications for the October 2025 intake are open, with a deadline of 12 pm (UK time) on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024. The department offers two full scholarships covering course fees and living costs for eligible candidates.

Why Choose Oxford?
The University of Oxford’s MSc in Clinical Embryology is renowned for its excellence in teaching and innovation. The course is based at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment alongside TFP Oxford Fertility. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and emphasis on practical experience make it an ideal choice for those aspiring to become leaders in the field of clinical embryology.

The unexpected announcement of Apricity Fertility’s closure has sent shockwaves through the reproductive health community. The UK-based fertility service, known for its innovative hybrid model of virtual care and physical partnerships, is set to cease operations by January 1, 2025. While patients scramble for clarity, the incident provides an opportunity for professionals in the IVF sector to reflect on the dynamics of patient care, regulation, and the stability of service models.

Unlike traditional fertility clinics, Apricity operated as a concierge service, connecting patients with licensed treatment clinics rather than providing direct treatment. This unique approach allowed it to act as a bridge between patients and medical providers, offering a blend of digital tools and personalized support. However, as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) clarified, this model meant Apricity itself was not a licensed clinic and therefore fell outside the HFEA’s regulatory framework. Patients affected by the closure have been urged to contact Apricity directly to address urgent questions about stored embryos, eggs, and sperm, as well as access to medical records. The company’s online FAQ aims to provide reassurance, but it has also highlighted a critical gap in oversight for intermediary services like Apricity.

For hundreds of couples hoping to start or expand their families, the closure is more than a logistical hurdle—it is a devastating emotional blow. Many patients now face delays, uncertainties regarding their biological materials, and the challenge of finding alternative clinics. Support organizations like The Fertility Alliance and Fertility Network UK have stepped in to provide resources and counseling, but the scale of the disruption underscores the vulnerabilities in the patient journey when unconventional service models collapse.

For scientists, embryologists, and clinic operators, this event raises important questions about the future of fertility care. Regulatory gaps come into focus, as hybrid or concierge fertility services operate in a gray area, leading to inconsistencies in patient care and accountability. Apricity’s closure also highlights the need for financial and operational resilience in fertility care. Service providers, particularly those leveraging innovative models, must ensure continuity of care. Additionally, the abrupt nature of the closure has left many patients feeling blindsided, underscoring the importance of transparent communication strategies for crisis situations.

The collapse of Apricity Fertility is a cautionary tale for the IVF sector, emphasizing the need for robust patient-centric systems. As professionals dedicated to the science and art of creating life, the industry must focus on building frameworks that prioritize both innovation and stability. By fostering collaboration between regulators, clinics, and third-party services, advancements in fertility care can remain sustainable and secure. This event serves as a reminder that while innovation is vital, patient trust and safety must remain at the heart of reproductive medicine. The question for the community now is how to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Sources

24 December 2024. HFEA

• HFEA statement on Apricity Fertility ceasing operations

4 January 2025. Mail on Sunday

• Hundreds of couples desperate for a baby are left in limbo after London-based IVF clinic closes without any warning

11 January 2025. Mail on Sunday

• Push for new IVF laws after hundreds of couples trying to a baby left devasted by clinic's sudden collapse

1 January 2025. Apricity website

• Apricity closure FAQs

Eligibility Criteria 

    B.Sc (Science) 
     MBBS
     BDS
     BAMS

     BHMS
    Pharmacy
    Any other equivalent degree                                                                                                                                  B.Sc Nursing 
    BVSc 
    Dairy
    Fishery 
    Engineering with Science (Biotechnology and Life science related)

For application form and prospectus
Email: [email protected]                                                                                                                 Website : www.embryologytraining.com                                                                                                           Contact: 9108849758 

Gameto, a biotechnology company specializing in women’s reproductive health, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the world’s first live birth using their Fertilo procedure. This innovative technology enables the maturation of oocytes (eggs) entirely outside the body. The birth, which took place at Santa Isabel Clinic in Lima, Peru, marks a significant step forward in the field of assisted reproduction and highlights the potential of Fertilo to revolutionize fertility treatments.

Traditional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) requires prolonged hormonal stimulation, typically lasting 10–14 days, to mature eggs within the ovaries. This approach can be physically demanding for patients and carries risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Fertilo offers an alternative by using engineered ovarian support cells to replicate the natural follicular environment in a laboratory setting. This allows eggs to mature with a drastically reduced need for hormone injections—by approximately 80%—while shortening the treatment duration to just three days. By minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure, Fertilo provides a more patient-centered approach, making IVF treatments less burdensome and more accessible.

The technology behind Fertilo represents a significant advancement in reproductive science. It leverages induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to create an ovarian microenvironment that mimics in vivo conditions. Immature oocytes are co-cultured with ovarian support cells, which provide the necessary biochemical signals to facilitate maturation. This innovative approach not only reduces reliance on traditional hormonal stimulation but also improves the developmental potential of eggs, offering higher rates of embryo formation and implantation. For reproductive scientists, Fertilo provides a unique platform to study oocyte maturation in a controlled environment, offering new insights into follicular dynamics and oocyte developmental competence.

The clinical application of Fertilo in the first successful birth demonstrates its ability to reduce patient risks and enhance outcomes. By minimizing the need for high-dose hormones, the procedure significantly reduces the likelihood of complications while alleviating the physical and emotional strain associated with conventional IVF protocols. This is especially relevant for patients with diminished ovarian reserve or conditions that make traditional stimulation protocols challenging. The Fertilo procedure also has potential implications for fertility preservation, particularly for cancer patients or those with premature ovarian insufficiency.

Gameto is expanding the availability of Fertilo globally, with regulatory clearance already secured in Australia, Japan, Argentina, Paraguay, Mexico, and Peru. The company is also preparing for Phase 3 trials in the United States, with the goal of bringing this transformative technology to a broader patient population. For reproductive scientists, Fertilo opens new opportunities for research, including the optimization of cryopreservation techniques and the development of more effective fertility treatments. By addressing many of the limitations of traditional IVF, Fertilo stands poised to redefine the future of assisted reproductive technology, offering a faster, safer, and more accessible solution for patients worldwide.

Sources

16 December 2024. Business Wire

• Gameto announces World's first live birth using Fertilo procedure that matures eggs outside the body

16 December 2024. Forbes

• This Next Generation IVF Startup Facilitated The Birth Of A Baby For The First Time

17 December 2024. Inside Precision Medicine

• First Baby Born Using Technology That Matures Eggs Outside the Body

Training Batch Schedule February  2025 

Batch - II :    10th  to 24th February

                                            The International School of Embryology a unit of Chennai Fertility Centre and Research Institute was established to offer training in Advanced Reproductive Techniques and Embryology for clinicians and embryologists. It will help them to know in-depth knowledge and have good hands-on training. The members of our teaching faculty aim to bring Clinician and Embryologists to the highest level of knowledge about Assisted Reproductive Technology and practical capability.

Our courses cover basics in Andrology, Embryology, ICSI & Cryosciences (Hands-on).

Limited Seats. For admission Contact  9003111598 / 8428278218 

Eligibility Criteria 

    B.Sc (Science) 
     MBBS
     BDS
     BAMS

     BHMS
    Pharmacy
    Any other equivalent degree                                                                                                                                  B.Sc Nursing 
    BVSc 
    Dairy
    Fishery 
    Engineering with Science (Biotechnology and Life science related)

For application form and prospectus
Email: [email protected]                                                                                                                 Website : www.embryologytraining.com                                                                                                           Contact: 9108849758 

3pm ET/ 8pm UK/ 9pm CET, Tuesday 10th Dec 2024

Host: Dr. Mina Alikani

Co-chairs: Dr. Basak Balaban & Dr. Thomas Ebner

Speakers:

Dr. Michael Collins: Effort in manual operation of
reproductive health cryostorage facilities      

Dr. Lucie Delaroche: Assessment of bisphenol accumulation
from disposable devices used sequentially in IVF routine procedures    

Dr. Sarah Martins da Silva: Artificial oocyte activation
improves ICSI outcomes following unexplained fertilisation abnormalities 

Dr. Mitchel Schiewe: Ultra-fast vitrification
and rapid elution of human oocytes
Part I. Germinal vesicle model validation
Part II. Verification of blastocyst development from mature oocytes
Q and A

Watch Now

The United States hosts some of the most advanced reproductive science training programs in the world, providing embryologists, andrologists, and other fertility professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to stay at the forefront of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). With cutting-edge techniques emerging regularly—from AI-driven embryo selection to novel genetic screening methods—specialized training is essential for anyone aiming to improve clinical outcomes and laboratory efficiency. This article explores three exemplary training offerings available in the U.S., each representing a distinct facet of today’s dynamic embryology and andrology education landscape.

1. World Embryology IVF Skills and Training

https://www.worldembryology.com

The World Embryology IVF Skills and Training program focuses on cultivating a well-rounded set of embryology skills. This course guides participants through a broad array of essential laboratory practices and emerging techniques, placing them at the cutting edge of contemporary IVF methodologies.

• Broad Exploration of IVF Lab Techniques: Participants refine their embryology skill set by engaging with a wide range of tasks—from routine embryo handling and advanced culture conditions to refining embryo grading, cryopreservation, and transfer procedures.

• Emphasis on Advanced Tools and Technologies: The program introduces participants to the latest innovations in embryology labs. By exploring techniques such as time-lapse embryo imaging and enhanced culture media formulations, trainees are equipped to integrate modern advances into their daily workflow.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: With an emphasis on critical thinking and continuous improvement, participants learn to interpret laboratory data to optimize patient outcomes. By understanding how to evaluate developmental milestones, culture conditions, and embryo quality, embryologists become adept at fine-tuning their lab’s processes for higher success rates.

2. IVF Academy USA

https://ivfacademyusa.com/

IVF Academy USA serves as a cornerstone for both novice and experienced embryologists looking to enhance their laboratory proficiency. The curriculum prioritizes practical skill acquisition, encouraging participants to refine their techniques under the close guidance of highly experienced instructors.

• Core to Advanced Embryology Skills: Beginning with foundational concepts—gamete handling, fertilization assessment, and basic embryo culture—the training quickly progresses to more sophisticated methods such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching, and embryo biopsy. Participants not only learn how to execute each procedure with precision, but also understand the underlying cellular biology and quality criteria that guide decision-making.

• Hands-On Micromanipulation Techniques: Rather than relying solely on lectures and demonstrations, IVF Academy USA places participants in front of the microscope. They practice micromanipulation skills, fine-tune their hand-eye coordination, and gain familiarity with cutting-edge equipment designed to maximize lab efficiency and embryo viability.

• Quality Management and Troubleshooting: Alongside technical training, the academy teaches embryologists how to identify and address common IVF lab challenges, from optimizing culture conditions to implementing robust quality control protocols. Graduates emerge with the skills to maintain a consistently high standard of care, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

3. IVF Training at ARTlab

https://artlabconsulting.com/course-schedule/

ARTlab is devoted to cultivating advanced embryology competencies through an immersive, hands-on learning environment. Designed for embryologists who already have a foundational understanding of IVF, this training encourages them to push the boundaries of their skill sets and refine techniques that directly influence patient outcomes.

• Precision-Based Embryo Handling: Under the mentorship of expert embryologists, trainees hone their manipulation skills for tasks such as ICSI, assisted hatching, blastocyst biopsy, and complex cryopreservation. Detailed, personalized feedback helps participants perfect their technique and minimize the risk of embryo damage.

• Optimization of Laboratory Protocols: ARTlab places significant emphasis on fine-tuning every aspect of IVF lab operations. Participants learn to streamline workflows, maintain consistent incubation conditions, and adhere to strict quality control measures, ensuring that each embryo benefits from the most stable and supportive environment possible.

• Continuous Quality Improvement: ARTlab’s approach is inherently iterative—participants gain insights into process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based adjustments to laboratory protocols. With these skills, embryologists are equipped not only to master current standards but to lead ongoing enhancements in their laboratories.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Reproductive Sciences

The U.S. remains a global leader in embryology, andrology, and IVF laboratory training. Programs like IVF Academy USA, World Embryology IVF Skills and Training, and IVF Training at ARTlab epitomize the excellence and innovation available in today’s marketplace. By choosing training that offers comprehensive theory, hands-on experience, global perspectives, and mentorship from top-tier professionals, fertility specialists can propel their careers forward, ensuring they deliver exceptional patient care while continually advancing the field.

These training opportunities not only empower practitioners with the technical expertise to perform delicate procedures but also instill the vision, adaptability, and leadership qualities needed to help shape the future of reproductive medicine—ultimately improving the lives of the individuals and families they serve.