IVF Laboratory Procedures Artificial Uterus (co-culture)
Co-culture is a kind of supplementary medium prepared for embryos with intrauterine cells of the woman.
A small tissue sample is taken from the uterus on the 21st day of menstruation. The cells in this sample, which are necessary for embryo attachment and development, are separated by meticulous work.
These cells are replicated in devices mimicking their natural environment until the day of egg collection (approximately 20-30 days).
Fertilized eggs (embryos) are placed in wells where these cells act as cushions.
While co-culture provides the rich nutrient medium required for the development of embryos, it also minimizes the damage of toxic wastes. Moreover, it is also believed that there is a positive chemical interaction between these cells taken from the mother's uterus and the embryo. This interaction increases the chance of embryos attaching to the uterus and achieving a pregnancy.
To whom should co-culture be applied?
In recurrent IVF attempts
It can be used as an auxiliary advanced IVF technique in couples whose embryos develop slowly and/or are of poor quality.
Since co-culture requires gruelling and careful work, trained personnel and quality equipment are required. It has been successfully applied by an expert team in our unit since 2004, and it is a new light of hope for our patients who could not conceive despite numerous attempts.