ICSI, NGS TREATMENT PROCESS (Next Generation Sequencing)
NGS, or Next Generation Sequencing, is a genetic diagnostic test that allows comprehensive chromosomal screening of embryos, analyzing all 46 chromosomes. With NGS, all chromosomes that make up the embryo can be thoroughly examined.
Through NGS, embryos are screened quickly and effectively, and chromosomal problems can be detected before pregnancy. One of the most important reasons why healthy pregnancies cannot be achieved, despite successful embryo transfer during IVF treatment, is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos.
NGS is especially recommended for:
Women over the age of 38
Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss
Couples with repeated IVF failures
Cases where chromosomal abnormalities (such as certain translocations) are detected in either parent
With the NGS method, embryos proven to be chromosomally healthy are transferred into the uterus.
Treatment Process
The first stage of treatment begins with routine medical tests. On days 2–4 of her menstrual cycle, the mother-to-be starts preliminary treatment with injections to stimulate egg maturation. For this stage, the patient does not necessarily need to be at our center; she can be monitored locally by a physician (preferably with IVF experience) under our guidance. If accommodation is available, she may also choose to undergo the entire process at our center.
Within about 10–12 days, once the eggs have reached the desired maturity, the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. An injection is administered at the time we determine to trigger ovulation, and about 36 hours later, the eggs are collected under anesthesia. The anesthesia used is not surgical anesthesia but deep sedation, ensuring the patient feels no pain. Depending on the number of eggs, the procedure takes only 10–15 minutes, and the patient remains completely comfortable.
On the day of egg retrieval, sperm cells taken from the father are injected into the eggs using the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique. The fertilized eggs are then monitored in the laboratory, and embryos are observed for about 5 days. The highest-quality embryos are selected. Using the NGS method, chromosomally healthy embryos are identified and transferred to the uterus, completing the treatment.
NGS screening is performed on embryos on day 5. The analysis takes approximately 2–3 weeks. The mother-to-be then begins preparation for the transfer with her next menstrual cycle following the arrival of the NGS results.
At Cyprus American IVF Center, NGS is performed entirely in-house by our experienced embryologists and genetics team, using our state-of-the-art NGS equipment, without sending samples to external laboratories.
Stay Healthy,
Cyprus American IVF Center
