The ultimate solution that many infertile couples look for is IVF. IVF is not only a hope for them, but it’s also a belief of doctors that have been doing wonders in bringing lives, due to the advancements made in medical science. We all know that miracles don’t happen overnight. Similarly, the success rates of IVF have increased with time. IVF results have improved over the years with medical and technological advances, although they still depend mainly on age and diagnosis.
In the traditional method of IVF, AI (Artificial Intelligence) had no role to play, but in today’s time, AI tools are increasingly used to support some steps of IVF. AI tools such as time-lapse embryo assessment support embryologists’ decisions; research on whether they improve live-birth rates is still emerging.
Process of IVF
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a process where eggs and sperms from female and male partners are collected and combined in a lab for fertilization to take place. IVF treatment is a procedure that takes place under the observation of experts and with proper monitoring the growth of embryo is evaluated, before transferring it into the uterus of the female.
Major Steps for IVF Procedure:
1. Ovarian stimulation: Hormone medication through injections is given to stimulate ovaries to produce more than one egg per cycle. The development of eggs is monitored through regular doctor visits and ultrasounds.
2. Egg Retrieval: After eggs maturation, they are retrieved from the ovary with the help of a needle guided by ultrasound. This process is performed under light sedation.
3. Sperm Collection: A semen sample is collected from the male or frozen sperms are taken from the labs, followed by fertilization.
4. Fertilization: After successful egg retrieval and sperm collection, sperms are combined with eggs in a lab, or a single sperm is directly injected into an egg (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI).
5. Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs are placed in a special culture dish, and they are allowed to grow for 3-5 days, until they reach the blastocyst stage.
6. Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is selected and transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin tube.
In all the above-mentioned steps, continuous analysis or evaluation is indispensable and that has become possible with the advances of artificial intelligence. Hence, AI is of great assistance in the success of IVF pregnancy. Further advancements are likely in areas including patient-specific treatment regimen, improved gamete, and embryo selection, as well as improving endometrial receptivity and management of early pregnancy.
Key Role of AI in IVF
1.Embryo Selection
To determine viability of the embryo, embryologists assess embryos directly; AI-based scoring, where used, is one input among several. AI analyze time-lapse videos and images detecting embryo quality, predicting implantation potential, and morphological features, i.e. an AI assistant can pull comparable images from hundreds to thousands of embryos. Healthy embryos with their peak implantation potential are then allowed to enter the female uterus for its future development. Such computational analyses are also required for scoring and predicting iDAscore to rank predicting viability, ploidy, risk of miscarriage, and guiding selection for transfer.
2. Hormone Monitoring
AI offers an advanced solution in monitoring the fluctuation of hormones in real time. It helps doctors to analyze real time patient data (hormone levels, follicle size, age) to provide personalized care and advice of drug dosage, predict outcomes, and improve success by reducing errors, minimizing side effects like hyperstimulation, and enabling data-driven, customized treatment plans for better egg retrieval and embryo development. It significantly boosts the chance of successful egg retrieval and embryo implantation.
3. Semen Analysis
Computer aided systems are required to automate objective assessment of sperm analysis, motility, and morphology, for more accurate and faster results. It reduces the risk of incorrect reports and diagnoses.
4. Personalized Protocols
AI driven data analyze vast number of patients including their genetic and hormonal history and customized treatment plans are designed for every individual patient. Every affective care plan increases the likelihood of successful pregnancy.
5. Lab Efficiency
AI driven system monitors culture condition like lab monitoring, temperature and humidity and reduces manual errors in the lab.
Delhi IVF & Fertility Research Centre offers IVF, ICSI, IUI, fertility preservation and male infertility treatment in Delhi. Final decisions on embryo selection rest with the embryologist and doctor, and results depend on age and diagnosis.
