Insights on Embryo Transfer Procedure

Insights on embryo transfer procedure!

In IVF treatment, the embryo transfer procedure is an exciting and important milestone infertility treatment. It doesn’t matter how good the IVF laboratory culture environment is, the physician plays a significant role in performing embryo transfer procedures. The entire IVF treatment depends on careful placement of the embryos at the exact location that is near the middle of the endometrial cavity - with less trauma and manipulation.

Before embryo transfer:-

Blastocyst transfer

An embryo transfer is the last part of the (vitro fertilization process) IVF treatment. During the IVF treatment, fertility medications are given to the patients to stimulate the ovaries to grow healthy follicles. Once the follicles are fully grown, ovulation takes place. The released eggs are then taken from the women’s ovaries and fertilized in the lab with the partner’s sperm.

The fertilized eggs are transferred after three to seven days of culturing in the lab. After the five days of development the embryo forms as a Blastocyst containing hundreds of divided cells. The latest developments in the fertility lab bring the embryos to the blastocyst stage before embryo transfer procedure.

Embryo Screening

Before starting an embryo transfer procedure, genetic testing is the best way to ensure that the embryos or chosen blastocysts are viable for pregnancy, which can increase the implantation chances. The technique known as Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is used to check the right number of chromosomes in the embryos. This technique assists the embryologist to screen for a wide range of genetic mutations called aneuploidy (which contains missing or extra chromosomes) which can cause implantation failure.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is used to detect single-gene disorders, or chromosomal translocations, where the chromosomes are rearranged. PGD is generally performed when the patient is suffering from specific diseases such as:

Tay Sachs

Fragile X and other genetic disorders

Cystic Fibrosis

Also identifies aneuploidy

PGS is performed by the embryologist which can be performed with little damage risk to the embryo.

EmbryoScope

If you did not choose to go for genetic testing but desires to get more insights about the development & health of the embryos that are cultured in the lab, you may go for new time-lapse photography technology. The embryo is placed in the special incubator known as EmbryoScope that takes photos of the embryos every five minutes and keeps them together into time-lapse films. This technique facilitates embryologists to watch how the cells are dividing and developing. Examining the division of cells at certain key points patterns during the cultural process gives the information to decide which embryo has a better chance of implantation after embryo transfer.

Estrogen and Progesterone Supplementation

Careful management of hormone supplementation helps in the preparation of endometrial lining both before and after embryo transfer procedure that provides a suitable environment for implantation and early development.

Embryo Transfer Procedure:-

The embryo transfer procedure is similar to the pap smear process. A speculum is inserted into the women’s vagina to make the vagina walls open. With the help of ultrasound for accuracy, the doctor passes a catheter through the cervix and to the womb.

The catheter is loaded with the embryos and the physician performs the process and abdominal ultrasound is done to visualize the catheter tip to reach the proper location. When the catheter tip has reached the exact location, the embryos transfer procedure is performed and the catheter is slowly taken out. And the catheter is examined under the microscope to check if any embryos are retained. If the embryos are retained in the catheter (which is uncommon), the embryo transfer procedure is repeated immediately and the catheter is checked again.

The embryo transfer procedure is pain-free and doesn’t require any types of sedatives. Some of the women may feel discomfort due to the inserted speculum or having a full bladder which is required for an ultrasound. This embryo transfer procedure takes less time and can empty the bladder after the procedure immediately.

After embryo transfer procedure

Make it simple

Embryo transfer is an outpatient procedure that requires no discomfort and recovery time. After the embryo transfer procedure, the patients are advised to take rest for 24 hours and can return to their normal duties more or less. After embryo transfer, avoid tough activities that include exercise, housework and sexual activity for at least two to three days.

Take healthy diet

There are many implantation diets and foods mentioned on the internet that you can follow after embryo transfer procedure, but there is no evidence in real-time to prove their claims. But taking healthy food and balanced nutrition benefits your pregnancy to build a healthy baby. While you are in IVF treatment, avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and drinking more caffeine.

Take follow-up appointment

Take a follow-up appointment after two weeks of embryo transfer procedure, which ensures the success rate of a procedure.