Victory IVF Fertility Centre

27/04/2026

🌟 Exciting news in the world of reproductive science! A new study reveals that less is truly more when it comes to embryo biopsy for PGT-A testing. Researchers found that analyzing fewer cells can yield just as reliable results, potentially paving the way for less invasive procedures and improved outcomes for future parents. This breakthrough could change the landscape of genetic testing in IVF! 🧬✨
Impact of the number of trophectoderm cells biopsied on the quality of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

25/04/2026

❄️ Understanding the Warming (Thawing) Process of Vitrified Embryos ❄️
Freezing helps preserve life — but it’s the precision of warming that ensures embryos survive and thrive. 💛
The thawing process is a carefully controlled, step-by-step journey designed to protect embryos from stress and restore them safely for transfer.
🔬 Step-by-step warming process:
1️⃣ Remove embryo from liquid nitrogen
2️⃣ Rapid warming in Thawing Solution (TS) at 37°C
3️⃣ Gradual dilution in Dilution Solution (DS)
4️⃣ Final cleansing in Washing Solution (WS)
5️⃣ Transfer to culture media & incubate
6️⃣ Assess survival and morphology
💡 Why each step matters:
• TS allows quick warming and initial removal of cryoprotectants
• DS gently reduces concentration to prevent osmotic shock
• WS ensures the embryo is clean and stable for recovery
✨ Every second, every solution, every detail matters — because behind each embryo is a hope, a dream, and a future.
Freezing preserves life, but proper warming ensures survival. 🌱

23/04/2026

✨ Day 7 Blastocyst: A Slower Developer, Not a Failed One ✨
In IVF, timing isn’t everything. Some embryos simply take a little longer to reach the blastocyst stage — and that’s okay. 💛
A Day 7 blastocyst may be slower in development, but it is not abnormal and still holds real potential for success. With advancements like PGT-A, we can better identify embryos that are chromosomally normal (euploid) and suitable for transfer.
🔬 What this means:
• Slower development ≠ poor quality
• Many Day 7 embryos can still lead to healthy pregnancies
• A valuable option, especially when no Day 5/6 embryos are available
• Often kept as a strong “backup” for future use
💡 Key takeaway:
Success in IVF depends more on genetic health than just speed of development.
Every embryo has its own journey — sometimes, the ones that take a little longer still bring the greatest joy. 🌱💕

21/04/2026

Wait till the follicles grow to 18 mm. Triggering ovulation for IVF at 15 to 16 mm significantly diminishes the chances of having eggs as well as embryos.

Did you know that the size of ovarian follicles can significantly impact oocyte quality and embryo viability? 📊 Research shows that oocytes from follicles ≤16mm have reduced developmental competence compared to those from larger follicles.

Despite this, smaller follicles can still produce viable embryos though lower . Follicles 13-15.5mm have a good-quality blastocyst rate of 11.9%, showing that maturity can enhance fertilization and development potential, even if fragmentation rates are higher.

Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing fertility treatments! 💡✨
Fertil Steril 2008 Sep;90(3):684-90.
Observational Study Fertil Steril 2022

16/04/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝘆𝗼:
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗩𝗙 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲

Every successful embryo begins long before fertilization inside the ovarian follicle.

1. Antral Follicles & Baseline Ovarian Reserve:

At the start of the cycle, a cohort of antral follicles is present. Markers like AMH and AFC reflect the ovarian reserve and help guide stimulation strategies.

2. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation With FSH/hMG and GnRH analogues multiple follicles are recruited simultaneously (unlike the natural single dominant follicle). Estradiol (E2) rises, supporting synchronized follicular growth.

3. Oocyte Maturation (MII Stage):

Following trigger, oocytes resume meiosis and reach the Metaphase II (MII) stage the point at which they are capable

4.Oocyte Retrieval:
Cumulus-oocyte complexes are collected and assessed.

5. Fertilization (IVF / ICSI)
S***m entry activates the oocyte, leading to calcium oscillations and formation of 2 Pronuclei (2PN) the first sign of successful fertilization.

6.Embryo Development:
Embryos progress through cleavage stages to Day 5 blastocyst
Grading (e.g., 5AA, 4BB) reflects structural quality, but is ultimately driven by oocyte competence.

7. The Invisible Layer: Cellular Biology
Throughout this journey, success is governed by:

• Mitochondrial ATP production
• Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) balance
• DNA integrity

Lifestyle & Mental Health Influence:

Often underestimated, these factors directly impact oocyte quality:

• Oxidative stress (smoking, poor diet, alcohol)
• Hormonal disruption
• Psychological stress affecting follicular microenvironment

Optimizing Outcomes:

Improvement is possible with:
• Antioxidant-rich nutrition & Omega-3
• Sleep, exercise, metabolic balance
• Stress reduction & mind-body alignment

In IVF, we do not just retrieve oocytes, we work with the biological potential shaped by cellular health, hormonal balance, and lifestyle long before the cycle begins.

“Not just treatment, but the balance of physical health and mental well-being plays a decisive role in ART success.”

10/04/2026

Why IVF Fails Even When Everything Looks Perfect???

In assisted reproduction, success is often perceived through visible parameters
a well-graded blastocyst, an optimally prepared endometrium, and a technically flawless embryo transfer.

Yet, implantation does not always follow.

This highlights an important reality:

IVF success extends far beyond what we can observe under the microscope.

Embryo morphology, while valuable, does not guarantee genetic competence.
Underlying chromosomal abnormalities may remain undetected without advanced screening.

Similarly, endometrial receptivity is a dynamic and time-sensitive process.
Even a slight displacement in the window of implantation can disrupt the delicate synchrony required for successful implantation.

Immunological factors further add complexity.
An altered maternal immune response may hinder embryo acceptance despite optimal conditions.

Additionally, s***m DNA integrity often overlooked in routine evaluation can significantly influence embryo development and implantation potential.

Within the laboratory, even tightly controlled microenvironmental factors such as temperature, pH, and oxygen concentration play a critical role in shaping embryo viability.

Ultimately, implantation is not a single event, but a highly coordinated molecular dialogue between the embryo and the endometrium.
Any disruption in this communication can lead to failure, even when all measurable parameters appear ideal.

Takeaway

“In IVF, visible perfection does not always equate to biological success.”

A deeper, more individualized approach is often required to uncover and address these hidden factors.

08/04/2026

Quick Case: Which Embryo Is Better?
You have 3 options: 4AA, 5AB, 3BB
Looks simple? Not really.
Embryo selection is not just about picking the “highest number” — it’s about understanding what each component represents.
🔍 Quick breakdown:
▪️ 4AA → Balanced, excellent ICM & TE
▪️ 5AB → More expanded, strong ICM but slightly lower TE
▪️ 3BB → Decent, but comparatively lower overall quality
🏆 Clinical Insight:
✔️ 4AA is usually preferred — strong structure + balanced quality
✔️ 5AB is a solid alternative — especially with good ICM
✔️ 3BB remains viable — but ranks lower in priority
💡 Key Takeaway:
👉 Don’t just read the grade — interpret the biology behind it
👉 ICM quality often drives decision-making
👉 Embryo selection = informed comparison, not guesswork
⚠️ In real IVF practice, context matters — patient history, timing, and lab conditions can influence the final choice.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr Ooi Lian See from Victory IVF Fertility Centre on successfully completing her subfertility training at IVF Tâm Anh Centre, Hanoi! 🎉
This milestone reflects her dedication to advancing clinical skills and delivering the highest standard of care in reproductive medicine. Through intensive hands-on training and knowledge exchange, she is now well-prepared and confident to manage and perform subfertility cases.
Wishing Dr Ooi continued success in helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood. 💫

04/04/2026

🌟 The 'Defective' Embryo That Could Be Your Baby"
(or: "IVF Labs Have Been Throwing Away Viable Embryos — New Research Changes Everything") 🌟

Did you know that the "defective" embryo could actually hold the key to your future baby? 🤔 For years, embryos with one pronucleus (1PN) were discarded without a second thought. But a groundbreaking study analyzing nearly 300,000 embryos shows that some of these 1PN embryos are chromosomally normal and can lead to healthy pregnancies!

Modern genetic testing has revolutionized our understanding of these embryos. With advanced techniques like SNP-based PGT-A, clinicians can now identify viable 1PN embryos, giving hope to those who thought all was lost.

Remember, the number of pronuclei is now seen as a guide, not a verdict! 🧬✨

03/04/2026

𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝘆𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲?

A recent paper in Human Reproduction (2025) revisits a routine step in IVF labs —
𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝘆𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 — and questions whether our standard multi-step approach is necessary.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Traditional warming protocols are designed to 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝘆𝗼𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 by gradually removing cryoprotectants.
But in practice, this also means:
• Longer handling time (~13 minutes)
• More exposure outside the incubator
• Increased procedural complexity

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱
• 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗦𝗪)
• 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗢𝗪) — a simplified method (~1 minute)

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗪 & 𝗦𝗪)
• 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 → controls water movement
• 𝗗𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻 → stabilizes the environment
• 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻 → prevents contamination
• 𝗛𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗦/𝗠𝗢𝗣𝗦 → maintains pH

𝗦𝗪 (𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹)
Embryos move through 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀:
✓High trehalose (dehydration)
✓Lower trehalose (controlled rehydration)
✓No trehalose (washing)

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽
𝗢𝗪 (𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹)
• Single step in thawing solution (~1 min)
• Direct transfer to culture medium
𝗡𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱
• 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 → No difference (~100%)
• 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 → Comparable (slightly higher morulation in OW)
• 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 → No negative impact
• 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 → No difference
• 𝗥𝗲-𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 → Slight delay in OW, equal by 24h
• 𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗶𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗼) → No difference

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀?
We’ve always assumed:
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹
But this study suggests:
𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝘆𝗼𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴:
• Reduces handling time
• Simplifies workflow
• Improves consistency
But:
• Based on discarded embryos
• No clinical outcomes yet

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

Grateful for a truly wonderful and enriching visit to Tam Anh Hospital, Vietnam 🇻🇳✨

It was an invaluable experience to be part of the clinician training, where we had the opportunity to learn, observe, and exchange knowledge with such a dedicated and professional team. The hands-on exposure to clinical procedures, along with the sharing of expertise, has been both inspiring and meaningful.

Our sincere thanks to the amazing team at Tam Anh Hospital for the warm hospitality, openness, and commitment to advancing clinical excellence. We look forward to continued collaboration and growing together in delivering better care for our patients 💙