How technology is transforming fertility care at the Agora Clinic

By Carole Gilling-Smith, CEO, Founder and Medical Director of the Agora Clinic.

At the Agora Clinic, we have always been at the forefront of innovation in fertility care. Our mission is to make the journey to parenthood as smooth, accessible and successful as possible for all our patients. In a field where science and technology are advancing at huge speed, we continually seek new ways to integrate cutting-edge tools into our practice. From AI-driven embryo selection to digital patient engagement, we are harnessing technology to improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience.

Empowering patients with the Wawa App

Fertility treatment is complex and is well documented to be an emotional rollercoaster. At Agora, we believe that clear communication and strong support networks are essential in helping patients navigate their journey. That’s why we have spent the last two years working in collaboration with an AI tech company in Denmark to develop a bespoke patient-centered app Wawa, designed to provide seamless, real-time communication and support to our patients.

With the Wawa fertility App our patients can:

• Message our team directly – whether they need reassurance, medical advice, or practical support, our clinical and patient care teams are just a tap away.

• Receive medication reminders – fertility treatments often involve multiple medications at specific times. Wawa ensures that no dose is missed, reducing stress and improving adherence.

• View upcoming appointments – all scheduled scans, consultations, and procedures are easily accessible in the app.

• Complete online consenting – a crucial yet often time-consuming part of fertility treatment is completing consent forms. Online consenting through Wawa makes the process smoother, easier to understand and much more efficient.

• Attend video consultations – for many patients, work and personal commitments make frequent in-person visits challenging. Our secure video appointments provide flexibility without compromising care.

• Enjoy easy access to written and video information – developed by our expert team on a whole range of fertility topics, our patients can access relevant educational material whenever they want to find out more or need reassurance (avoiding the need to consult Dr Google which can be riddled with misinformation!)

• Access a seamless finance tool – Receive invoices, manage payments and deal with any finance queries directly through the app

By putting these tools directly in the hands of our patients from the start of their parenting journey with us, Wawa helps transform the road to parenthood into a much closer partnership with our team of experts and supporting staff. This in turn reduces the uncertainty and fear that can so often overwhelm those undergoing assisted conception treatments such as IVF or egg freezing.

Revolutionising IVF with EmbryoScope and AI

While patient engagement through good communication is crucial, success in fertility treatment ultimately depends on the intricate science that takes place in our state-of-the-art embryology laboratory. One of the most exciting technological advancements we have implemented at the Agora is the EmbryoScope, a time-lapse imaging incubator that provides unparalleled insights into embryo development.

Traditionally, embryologists assess embryos at specific time points, briefly removing them from their incubators to examine them under a microscope. This method, while effective, provides only a limited snapshot of the embryo’s development and exposes the embryo to more temperature fluctuations as they are moved out of the stable environment of their incubator. EmbryoScope is a specialised incubator which changes the game by continuously capturing images of the embryos at regular 10-minute intervals, allowing our embryologists to monitor their growth patterns in real time without disturbing them.

This time-lapse imaging technology helps us select the best-quality embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. By identifying subtle developmental patterns that may indicate an embryo’s potential, we can make more informed decisions, improving success rates which in turn will reduce the number of cycles required to achieve a pregnancy.

The Power of AI in embryo selection

To further refine embryo selection, we have also embraced artificial intelligence (AI). Our state-of- the-art AI technology analyses the time-lapse images captured by the EmbryoScope and applies complex algorithms to assess embryo viability.

AI can detect patterns that even the most experienced embryologists might miss, offering an objective and highly precise method of ranking embryos based on their potential for implantation. By integrating AI into our embryo selection process and combining this with human expertise we are not only enhancing accuracy but also optimising treatment outcomes for our patients.

Our research and innovation team at The Agora are currently exploring other AI tools designed to improve the way we select sperm and eggs for treatment and how best to incorporate these tools into our everyday practice.

Technology with a human touch

At Agora, we recognise that no technology can replace the human element in fertility care. Our approach has always been patient-first, ensuring that every innovation we adopt serves to enhance, not replace, the personalised care we provide.

The combination of digital patient support, AI-powered embryo selection and time-lapse imaging allows us to offer a fertility journey that is more transparent, efficient, and emotionally supportive. By reducing uncertainty and  improving success rates, we are helping more individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

Leading the way in fertility innovation

As the largest provider of NHS and self-funded fertility treatment in the South East, the Agora Clinic remains committed to delivering world-class fertility care with a focus on inclusivity, excellence and technological innovation. Our adoption of tools like Wawa, EmbryoScope and AI-driven embryo selection demonstrates our unwavering dedication to giving our patients the best possible chance of success.

The future of tech in fertility treatment is a fast-paced, growing field, and we are excited to be in that conversation and investing time, money and expertise into researching, analysing and developing the tools that can best support our patient’s emotional well-being as well as chances of success. By embracing technology while maintaining our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, we are redefining what is possible in the world of reproductive medicine.

If you would like to learn more about how we can support your fertility journey, please visit our website www.agoraclinic.co.uk or get in touch with our team today on 01273 229410.