11 IVF innovations that are getting buns in ovens

Answering the question, “Mum, how is a baby made?” is no longer an awkwardly inevitable conversation starter from your 8-year-old. Actually, it's a prime opportunity to explore modern reproductive medicine.

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But it gets you thinking – how is a baby actually made nowadays?

Well, thanks to groundbreaking innovations in IVF, explaining the journey from conception to pregnancy has become a lot more intricate than “when two people really love each other.” 

While natural conception is still the most practical (and affordable) option, an increasing number of men and women don’t have that luxury. 

For many women and men, infertility is a very real and increasing diagnosis. It can mean disappointment, heartache, and worrying about the future you had planned. But an infertility diagnosis doesn’t always put a full stop to having a family. There are options now.

With IVF, their baby can (literally) be made through science and medicine. For more than half a century, it has been at the forefront of medical research, giving storks a run for their money and helping families.

We owe this all to these 11 innovations that have enhanced the IVF cycle, reshaping the future of fertility. From improved embryo culture mediums that mimic the womb’s natural environment to innovative techniques for sperm selection, every aspect of the process is being refined to ‘make’ you a little miracle.

A little bit about IVF

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Ever heard the term ‘test-tube baby’? That’s what some refer to babies conceived through the assistance of IVF. 

As most know, IVF is a complex series of procedures that helps couples conceive.

This process takes mature eggs from ovaries and fertilises them with sperm, in a lab (hence, the term ‘test-tube baby’). Then a procedure is done to place one or more of the fertilised eggs, called embryos, into the uterus. A full cycle of IVF usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks and can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm, or with the eggs, sperm or embryos from a donor. 

For as many as one in six Australian couples, conceiving naturally presents challenges. IVF has become a highly considered option for those wanting to start a family, with one in every 18 babies in Australia now conceived through IVF.

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11 recent IVF innovations

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1.Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has revolutionised the landscape of IVF by enabling doctors to examine embryos for genetic abnormalities prior to their implantation. So, your chance of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby is significantly higher. 

It’s important that prospective IVFer’s invest in PGT as it helps to provide all the information on the child’s possible health complications and medical conditions prior to the procedure, so parents can make informed decisions about their family’s future. 

2. Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)

Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) is a technique in IVF aimed at preventing the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. It works to replace defective mitochondria in the mother’s egg with healthy mitochondria from a donor egg, offering hope to families affected by debilitating genetic conditions. 

This innovative therapy not only mitigates the risk of severe mitochondrial disorders but also opens new doors for couples seeking to conceive healthy children through assisted reproductive technologies. MRT is also valuable in addressing previously untreatable genetic diseases, fading them from future generations.

3. EmbryoScope, EmbryoGlue and time-lapse imaging

The EmbryoScope  and EmbryoGlue are tools used in IVF to enhance the success rates of the procedures. 

The EmbryoScope is a specialised incubator equipped with time-lapse imaging technology. It captures continuous images of embryos as they develop in the lab, so fertility specialists get the full picture of their growth. That means a more detailed assessment of their developmental milestones, improving the chances of successful pregnances and reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies. 

Genea, a leading global player in the field of reproductive medicine, known for its significant contributions to IVF technology and innovation, developed the first individual chamber time-lapse incubator, known as Geri™. 

This is exclusive to Genea patients in Australia and has been sold globally, providing enhanced embryo monitoring and improved both embryo quality and success rates.

On the other hand, EmbryoGlue is a specially formulated transfer medium enriched with hyaluronan and other components that mimic the conditions of the uterine environment, so your little creation can feel as at home as possible.

4. Sperm sorting methods

Methods such as MACS (Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting) and FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) separating sperm cells based on their motility, morphology, and genetic characteristics. This helps select higher quality sperm to raise fertilsiation rates and embryo quality.

Another approach is the use of density gradient centrifugation (how’s that for a big word?), which separates sperm based on their density, isolating higher quality sperm for fertilisation.

5. In Vitro Maturation (IVM)

In Vitro Maturation (IVM) is an IVF technique where immature eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and allowed to mature in a laboratory setting.

This approach is particularly beneficial for women who may not respond well to traditional ovarian stimulation medications used in IVF or who are at risk of complications from such medications. 

By maturing eggs outside of the body, IVM offers a less invasive and more patient-friendly option for fertility treatment. Then once matured, these eggs can be fertilised with sperm through standard IVF procedures, leading to successful embryo development and subsequent implantation.

6. Embryo genetic editing

Embryo genetic editing is a cutting-edge technique that works to modify the DNA of embryos to correct genetic defects or enhance certain traits before implantation during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This technology utilises tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to target and alter specific genes, potentially eliminating hereditary diseases or genetic disorders. 

But this one’s still in development, so don’t get too excited just yet!

7. Day 5 embryo transfer

Also known as blastocyst transfer, Day 5 embryo transfer refers to the process of embryos being transferred into the woman’s uterus on the fifth day after fertilisation. 

This specific timing aligns with the blastocyst stage of embryo development – where only the strongest embryos remain.  

Genea was the first clinic to adopt Day 5 embryo transfer as a standard protocol, a breakthrough that nearly doubled success rates overnight and became a new benchmark in the industry globally. 

8. Benchtop incubator

These compact incubators provide a controlled environment for embryo culture, improving their viability.

This stability is crucial in IVF as you want as little disruptions as possible during critical stages of embryo development – you know, to make sure your little seed is growing. 

And by maintaining consistent temperature, humidity, and gas levels, benchtop incubators support the growth of embryos from fertilisation through to transfer, making sure the procedure is a success. 

Genea pioneered the creation of the first benchtop incubator, setting new standards in embryo cultivation and improving embryo quality when IVF was in its infancy.

9. Embryo viewing app

Some clinics now offer embryo viewing apps or online platforms that allow patients to securely access images and updates of their embryos throughout the culture process. The pictures don’t just have to start from the first ultrasound!

Patients can track milestones, such as cell division and growth patterns along with their specialists, witnessing the progress of their little miracles firsthand. 

Ganea launched the world-first embryo viewing app, Grow by Genea™, allowing patients to view and track their embryos while they develop in the lab, enhancing transparency and engagement in the IVF process.

10. Egg-freezing clinics

Egg-freezing clinics, as we are well aware, are invaluable in every woman’s life. Specialising in the freezing of women’s fertility by offering a proactive option for women who wish to preserve their eggs at a younger age, typically before their fertility declines. 

The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. Women can delay childbearing for personal, medical, or career reasons, offering flexibility and peace of mind regarding their reproductive options. 

And that’s not even their full potential. Egg-freezing technology continues to advance, making fertility preservation an increasingly viable option for women worldwide.

Fun fact – Genea actually established Australia’s first dedicated egg-freezing clinic, offering women enhanced reproductive options and greater control over their family planning.

11. AI in IVF

AI systems are designed to predict the probability of a successful pregnancy following the transfer of a single embryo during IVF treatment.

In analysing factors such as embryo quality, maternal age, and other relevant medical data, the AI system aims to provide more accurate predictions compared to traditional methods. 

This approach not only improves the efficiency of embryo selection but also supports clinicians in making more informed decisions, making your IVF journey as successful as possible. 

Dean Morbeck, Scientific Director at Genea says, “As we look to the future, the intersection of IVF and artificial intelligence is set to revolutionise reproductive medicine even further. AI has the potential to enhance every aspect of the IVF process—from optimising embryo selection to personalising patient care. By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to refine our techniques, increase success rates, and ultimately make the dream of parenthood more accessible to many more families.” 

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Wrapping it up

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The truth is, the road of infertility is a bumpy one. And it can often feel a little hopeless. The good news is – there are people out there working their hardest to help every family get that little bit bigger!

Whether you’re navigating IVF yourself or supporting a loved one on their journey, awareness of these invaluable innovations will provide a deeper understanding of the options available to make the dream of parenthood a reality for many.

Sources

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Genea, Three big IVF innovations that have brought hope to families in the last 20 years, 2024

Forbes, Here’s How AI Is Helping Make Babies By Revolutionizing IVF, 2022

Time, How Researchers Are Working to Make IVF More Effective, 2022

Anthony Marren, Innovation in IVF: Advancing Reproductive Technologies in Australia, 2024