What is Piezo Electrical Stimulation in IVF?
Piezo electrical stimulation is a highly significant advancement in reproductive technologies and is applied in our partnered laboratory using the latest technology. Also referred to as the “electroshock method,” this technique is designed to overcome challenges in IVF treatment and to increase success rates. The goal of “IVF Piezo Electrical Stimulation” is to enhance fertilization and embryo formation. In this method, a mild electric current is applied to activate the eggs, promoting fertilization.
This technique has made it possible for some couples who previously experienced no fertilization in past treatments, or for whom having a child seemed impossible, to achieve pregnancy.
Our partnered laboratory embraces the innovative approach of piezoelectric stimulation, offering more promising outcomes for couples. Through this technique, we optimize critical steps in the fertilization and embryo formation processes, enabling us to provide more effective treatment to couples facing issues like low fertilization rates or poor-quality embryos.
With advanced equipment and an experienced team, our lab maximizes the benefits of piezoelectric stimulation. We focus on each couple’s unique needs, delivering the most reliable and effective IVF treatment plans.
What is IVF Piezo Electrical Stimulation?
Reproductive health, a critical field in medicine worldwide, continually focuses on innovative treatment methods. One such innovation is the piezoelectric method, a technique that offers new potential in assisted reproduction.
Piezoelectricity is a concept that plays a crucial role across various scientific fields. The prefix “piezo” comes from Latin, meaning “to press or apply pressure,” and this term describes a phenomenon where certain crystals and ceramics generate an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied.
This technique is widely used in fields such as fusion, cloning applications, and stem cell research. Its application in IVF is also increasing, and international studies on this subject are steadily growing.
In IVF procedures, the piezoelectric method can be used to optimize the interaction between egg and sperm cells. In this technique, mechanical pressure is applied to the egg cell, generating a small electric current, which may enhance the egg cell's fertilization capacity. In the field of assisted reproductive technology, piezoelectric stimulation has become a valuable technique, particularly in cases where conventional methods fall short, playing a key role in overcoming challenges in in vitro fertilization (IVF).
During IVF, after the microinjection (ICSI) step, a small electric current, known as piezoelectric stimulation, is applied to the egg. This current polarizes the cell, facilitating the fusion of the sperm and egg nuclei. This process can reduce potential damage to the nuclear membranes, supporting successful fertilization. Additionally, this stimulation not only aids fertilization but also promotes cell division, which is essential for embryo formation.
IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation
What is the Purpose of IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation?
In some patients undergoing IVF treatment, we may encounter situations where fertilized eggs do not divide, or where eggs that do divide fail to develop by day five. In other patients, some embryos that reach day five may be of poor quality. In challenging cases like these, we utilize special methods to activate the eggs. This process is called "artificial oocyte activation," which we perform in our laboratory using an electric current. The activation of eggs using piezoelectric stimulation, also known as artificial oocyte activation, is a significant step in IVF.
When and for Whom Should IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation Be Used?
Piezoelectric stimulation becomes an important intervention in cases where conventional methods yield limited success, such as with low fertilization rates or poor embryo quality. By directly applying an electric current to the oocytes, the permeability of the egg membrane increases, improving calcium ion exchange within the cell. This enhancement addresses issues such as failed fertilization or arrested embryo development, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.
IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation
How is IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation Performed?
Eggs are placed in specially prepared buffer solutions in glass dishes known as "micro plates." These dishes are positioned between two electrodes, and a specific current level is applied using an Electro Cell Manipulation device. The electric current activates the egg, facilitating fertilization and supporting the sperm cell. This method increases the likelihood of embryo formation and pregnancy in cases where previous treatments failed to produce embryos.
What is the Advantage of IVF Piezoelectric Stimulation?
The integration of piezoelectric stimulation into assisted reproductive technologies is considered a significant advancement, especially effective in cases where conventional methods have been unsuccessful. By harnessing the power of electric energy, clinicians can optimize the fertilization process and enhance embryo development, offering renewed hope to couples facing infertility challenges.
Thanks to our laboratory’s expertise and innovative approaches, many couples have left happily, having overcome reproductive challenges. We are deeply pleased to support you every step of the way and share in the journey to success.
The Advantage of In Vitro Fertilization Piezo Electricity
Success Rate of IVF Piezoelectric Application
A 2024 study published in Fertility and Sterility, one of the world’s most prestigious journals, tested the IVF piezo technique on 108 patients, comparing embryo development with embryos that did not use the piezo technique. Results indicated an increase in fertilization rates (71.6% vs. 65.6%) and a decrease in egg degeneration rates (6.3% vs. 12.1%). Additionally, blastocyst (day 5 embryo) quality improved (33.3% vs. 27.5%) with the piezo technique.
However, with single embryo transfers using piezoelectric stimulation, no significant differences were observed in aneuploidy rates, utilization rates, clinical pregnancy, or live birth outcomes.
