Electron Microscopy Aids in vitro Fertilization

A case study has demonstrated the success of a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique that enabled a woman, previously unable to conceive, to give birth to healthy twin boys. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney (Australia), was published by BioMed Central, an online publishing house.

The researchers took a biopsy of uterine lining from the woman, who had failed to conceive after several IVF attempts. Using an electron microscope, they examined the lining for structures called uterodomes, known to be associated with a receptive uterus. However, they found almost no uterodomes. The woman was given estrogen and progesterone until her uterine lining contained an abundance of uterodomes, as judged by examining further tissue samples with the electron microscope. The researchers attempted another IVF, and an implantation of frozen embryos succeeded on the first attempt. The woman subsequently gave birth to twins.

According to the researchers, the use of electron microscopy to access the receptivity of the uterus to implantation may be a useful tool to help women get pregnant who have been unsuccessful to date.