In vitro fertilization (IVF), a method of assisted reproduction, is an option for many couples who have not been able to conceive.� In vitro (�in glass�) fertilization is the fertilization of a woman�s eggs outside of her body � in a petri dish. Sperm provided by the male is mixed with eggs that have been aspirated from the woman�s ovaries. A few days later, one or more fertilized eggs are transferred to the woman�s uterus (womb), with the hope that pregnancy will occur. Depending on the fertility problem, the eggs used in IVF may be the woman�s own eggs, or donor eggs from another woman. Likewise, the eggs may be fertilized with sperm provided by the woman�s male partner or by donated sperm.

�A blastocyst is an embryo at an advanced stage of physiologic development when there are two cell types present: one group of cells that form the placenta, and another group of cells that form the fetus. Advance technologies have been able to provide the proper nutrients to grow embryos to this advanced stage of development. The further developed the embryos, the better to select the healthiest and most viable embryos, while transferring a smaller number of embryos. This will allow doctors to maintain or raise pregnancy rates while reducing the number of embryos returned by reducing the most significant complication - multiple pregnancies.

Why are blastocysts special?
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A blastocyst embryo has reached a stage in development that requires activation of the embryo's own genes, called genomic activation. Genes are chemical codes that make us unique. When a sperm and egg fertilize, the resulting baby is a mixture of the genes from the mother and father. This mixture creates a child who is unique and different from mother, father, or siblings. During early growth of the embryo, all of the energy and chemicals required for cell division come from the mother's egg. In order to continue to develop past the third or fourth day of life, the embryo must activate its own genes to produce energy for further cell division and differentiation. Although this biological process is critical, it does not occur as easily as hoped. Approximately one third of embryos are capable of successfully activating their genes and growing to the blastocyst stage. If an embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, it is likely that it is a healthier embryo and it has a better chance of implanting successfully and resulting in a normal, healthy, baby.
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Samitivej Sriracha Hospital in collaboration with Superior Assisted Reproduction Technology (A.R.T) from Sydney, Australia offers excellence in clinical expertise and state-of-the-art technology for fertility treatments to couples who are having fertility problems.
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Since the first IVF baby over 29 years ago, assisted reproductive technology has been greatly enhanced, leading to better outcomes for couples desiring children. Present technology includes IVF or in vitro fertilization, a method of assisted reproduction where fertilization of a woman�s eggs is done outside of her body. The sperm provided by the male partner is afterwards mixed with eggs that have been aspirated from the woman�s ovaries. After a few days, one or more fertilized eggs are then transferred to the woman�s uterus (womb), with the hope that pregnancy will occur. This procedure has helped hundreds of couples to conceive and have healthy babies.
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In addition to this, embryo testing for diagnosis of any genetic disorders before putting it back into the womb is also possible.� This technique is called PGD or Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis.� This involves the genetic testing of embryos created through IVF for harmful, heritable genetic conditions known to be present in the fami