Many of the approaches described below remain experimental or are still being evaluated in clinical research. They are not considered part of routine fertility treatment in Türkiye. Their potential use should be assessed individually according to current regulations, ethical principles and available scientific evidence.
ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis)
ERA involves taking a small biopsy of the endometrium and analyzing gene expression with the aim of identifying the timing considered suitable for embryo transfer.
Who might it be considered for? It has been studied in women with recurrent embryo transfer failure.
Current status: ERA is not a standard treatment, and evidence supporting its routine use remains limited.
Microfluidic Sperm Selection
Microfluidic sperm selection uses specially designed microchannels to assist in the separation and selection of motile sperm in the laboratory.
Who might it be considered for? It may be evaluated in selected cases of male-factor infertility.
Current status: It is an adjunct laboratory technique, and evidence regarding its effect on clinical reproductive outcomes remains limited.
EmbryoGlue
EmbryoGlue is an embryo transfer medium containing a high concentration of hyaluronan. It is designed to support the environment in which embryo implantation takes place.
Who might it be considered for? It may be considered as a transfer medium in certain IVF treatments.
Current status: Studies have suggested potential benefits in some patient groups, but benefit cannot be assumed for every patient.
Exosome-Based Approaches
The potential role of exosomes in reproductive medicine is currently under investigation. Research has explored their possible effects on oocytes, ovarian tissue and the endometrium.
Who might it be considered for? At present, these approaches are primarily being evaluated in research settings.
Current status: Exosome-based approaches remain experimental and are not part of standard IVF treatment.
Endometrial Scratching
Endometrial scratching involves controlled mechanical stimulation of the endometrium before embryo transfer. It has been investigated as a possible way to influence implantation.
Who might it be considered for? It has particularly been studied in the context of recurrent implantation failure.
Current status: Evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconclusive, and it is not routinely recommended.
Stem Cell-Based Approaches
The potential use of stem cells in conditions such as diminished ovarian reserve or inadequate endometrial development is being investigated.
Who might it be considered for? These approaches are currently evaluated primarily within clinical research.
Current status: Stem cell-based approaches remain experimental and are not part of routine IVF treatment in Türkiye.
ROSI (Round Spermatid Injection)
ROSI is an experimental technique in which immature round spermatids may be injected into an oocyte when mature sperm cannot be obtained.
Who might it be considered for? It has been investigated in selected cases of severe male infertility where mature sperm cannot be retrieved.
Current status: Clinical evidence remains very limited, and ROSI is considered an experimental rather than routine technique.
PICSI (Physiological ICSI)
PICSI is a sperm-selection method based on the ability of sperm to bind to hyaluronan before being used for ICSI.
Who might it be considered for? It may be considered as an adjunct sperm-selection technique in selected cases following assessment of male-factor infertility or previous treatment outcomes.
Current status: PICSI is an adjunct laboratory technique and is not routinely recommended for every patient undergoing ICSI.
Artificial Oocyte Activation with Calcium Ionophore
Artificial oocyte activation using calcium ionophore is a laboratory technique intended to stimulate oocyte activation following ICSI.
Who might it be considered for? It may be considered in selected cases where fertilization has previously failed or remained very low following ICSI.
Current status: It is not a routine procedure and should be evaluated according to the individual patient's circumstances and previous treatment history.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice.
Experimental and research-based approaches should be considered in light of the available scientific evidence, patient safety, ethical principles and the regulations currently applicable in Turkiye.