Piezo electrical stimulation, which is widely used in many fields such as fusion, cloning applications and stem cell research, is also among the methods that have attracted attention recently in in vitro fertilization treatment. 'In Vitro Fertilization Piezo Electrical Stimulation', also called the electroshock method, is applied to increase fertilization and embryo formation.
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Abide said, "In some of our patients, we may encounter situations such as fertilized ovarians not dividing during the in vitro fertilization treatment process or dividing ovarians not developing until the fifth day. In some of our patients, we see that some of the embryos that reach the fifth day are of poor quality. In such difficult cases, we use special methods that activate the ovarians. "We call this process 'artificial oocyte activation' and we perform this process in our laboratory with the help of electric current."
'In Vitro Fertilization Piezo Electrical Stimulation', designed to overcome the difficulties encountered in in vitro fertilization treatments and increase success rates, has recently taken its place among the methods frequently used by couples who want to have a baby. In this method, which is applied to increase fertilization and embryo formation, the ovarians are activated and fertilized with the help of electric current given to the ovarians.
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Abide said, “In cases where traditional methods provide limited success, such as low fertilization rates or poor embryo quality, piezo electric stimulation emerges as an important intervention. By applying electric current directly to the oocytes, the permeability of the ovarian membrane increases and calcium ion exchange within the cell improves. This recovery addresses issues such as failed fertilization or arrested embryo development and ultimately improves treatment outcomes. Thanks to this technique, which allows us to offer more promising results to couples, we optimize critical steps in the fertilization and embryo formation processes. In some of our patients, we may encounter situations such as fertilized ovarians not dividing during the in vitro fertilization treatment process or dividing ovarians not developing until the fifth day. In some of our patients, we see that some of the embryos that reach the fifth day are of poor quality. In such difficult cases, we use special methods that activate the ovarians. We call this process "artificial oocyte activation" and we perform this process in our laboratory with the help of electric current. "ovarian activation with piezoelectric stimulation, that is, 'artificial oocyte activation', is an important step in in vitro fertilization," he says.
How Is Piezo Electrıcal Stimulation Of Ivf Baby Done?
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. also gave brief information about how piezo electrical stimulation is performed. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Abide said, “ovarians are placed in a specially prepared buffer solution in glass containers called microplates. These containers are located between two electrodes and a certain current level is applied with the Electro Cell Manipulation device. "While electric current facilitates fertilization by enabling ovarian activation, it also helps the sperm cell," he says.
What Are The Advantages Of ivf Piezo Electrical Stimulation?
Increased Fertilization Rates: Piezo electrical stimulation can contribute to increased fertilization rates by increasing the ability of ovarian cells to fertilize. This increases the chances of success of the treatment.
Improvement of Embryo Quality: Piezo electrical stimulation can promote embryo formation, resulting in the development of higher quality embryos. Obtaining healthier embryos increases the chance of pregnancy.
Optimization of the Fertilization Process: This method optimizes the interaction between ovarian and sperm cells. Thus, the fertilization process becomes more efficient.
Improved Treatment Results: Piezo electrical stimulation can be especially effective in cases where conventional treatments are inadequate. The results obtained with this method may be more successful than other treatment options.
Less Complications: Piezo electrical stimulation is accomplished in a simple and controlled manner by applying electric current to the ovarians. Therefore, the risk of complications that may occur during treatment is low.
Increasing Couples' Hope: Successful results in in vitro fertilization treatments increase couples' hopes of having a baby. Piezo electrical stimulation can also provide psychological support to couples by providing them with a more promising treatment option.
What İs The Success Rate Of İvf Piezo Electric Application?
Providing information about the success rates of in vitro fertilization piezo electric application, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Dr. Çiğdem Yayla Monument; “It may vary depending on a variety of factors and may differ for each patient. However, in general, there are many studies showing that using this method increases the success of fertilization and pregnancy. For example, it will be published in Fertility and Sterility, one of the most respected journals in the world, in 2024.
A study published is quite remarkable; In this study, the development of embryos with and without in vitro fertilization piezo technique is compared. As a result of the study, it was reported that the fertilization rate increased (71.6% vs 65.6%), the ovarian degeneration rate decreased (6.3% vs 12.1%), and the blastocyst (day 5 embryo) quality increased (33.3% vs 27.5%). "We see that it has been reported that no significant difference has been observed in aneuploidy or utilization rates after single embryo transfer with the piezo electric technique, or in terms of clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes."
