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What is Embryo Transfer: Procedure & Precautions After Care
The final and perhaps the most critical step of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment involves transferring the embryo into the mother’s womb.
An IVF doctor conducts this process with ultrasound guidance using a transfer catheter. It’s a delicate procedure that requires a careful hand and a highly skilled doctor.
What Is Embryo Transfer?
Embryo transfer is the final step in IVF, where embryos are placed into the uterus to help with conception. This simple, outpatient procedure typically occurs three to five days after egg retrieval.
Anesthesia is not required, and the process is almost painless, though some discomfort may be felt during the insertion of a vaginal speculum.
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Get A Second OpinionWhen Is Embryo Transfer Done in IVF?
Embryo transfer can be done at two main stages:
- Cleavage Stage : This occurs two to three days after incubation.
- Blastocyst Stage : This occurs five days after incubation. Many clinics prefer waiting until the embryos reach the blastocyst stage as this increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Steps in the Embryo Transfer Process
- Ovarian Stimulation : The female patient's ovaries are stimulated with medication to produce more eggs.
- Trigger Administration : An injection helps eggs mature and loosen from the follicular wall.
- Egg Retrieval : Eggs are extracted from the ovaries using ultrasound guidance. This is done under sedation.
- Sperm Retrieval : The male partner provides a semen sample. The sperm is processed and used to fertilize the eggs.
- Fertilization : Eggs are fertilized with sperm, and the resulting embryos are cultured in an incubator for several days.
- Embryo Selection : The best embryos are selected for transfer to the uterus.
How Is Embryo Transfer Done?
After egg retrieval, the patient returns to the clinic for the embryo transfer. Here’s a step-by-step outline:
- Preparation : The patient lies on a bed, and the doctor uses a vaginal speculum to expose the cervix.
- Transfer : Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor transfers the embryos using a fine transfer catheter. The catheter passes through the vagina, cervix, and into the uterus.
- Procedure : The embryos are deposited from the catheter into the uterus. This process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Post-procedure, the patient rests in a recovery room for 20-30 minutes before being discharged.
How Many Embryos Are Transferred in IVF?
At Medicover Fertility, typically two good-quality embryos are transferred on Day 3 or Day 5. Embryos are graded based on their appearance and rate of cell division. Grade A embryos have 4-8 cells, of equal size, with clear cytoplasm and few fragments. Lower-grade embryos have more fragments and a lower chance of implantation but can still result in normal pregnancies.
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Book an AppointmentMedication After Embryo Transfer
Post-transfer, the embryos need to implant for pregnancy to occur. Here’s a typical medication regimen:
- Estrogen Supplements : Given for about two weeks to prepare the lining.
- Progesterone Supplements : Continue after transfer to increase the chances of pregnancy and sustain it for the first three months.
Precautions After Embryo Transfer
Following these precautions can increase the likelihood of pregnancy:
- Avoid Swimming and Steam Baths : For 48 hours post-transfer.
- Abstain from Intercourse : Until pregnancy is confirmed via ultrasound.
- Limit Physical Activities : Avoid heavy lifting, aerobics, and jogging. Light walks are recommended.
- Diet : Increase intake of protein-rich foods.
- Medication : Don’t take any medication without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid Smoking and Caffeine : Both can negatively impact implantation.
Some spotting or bleeding may occur before the Beta HCG blood test, which determines pregnancy. It’s crucial to get the test done as symptoms alone aren’t reliable indicators.
What Happens After Embryo Transfer?
Post-transfer, the two-week wait (2WW) begins. During this time, luteal phase support is provided to increase implantation chances. A blood test (Beta HCG) is conducted 14 days post-transfer to confirm pregnancy. A positive result (>10 mIU/ml) indicates pregnancy, which is then monitored via ultrasound.
Frequently Asked Questions
An embryo transfer is the final step in the IVF process. Fertilized embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus on Day 3 or Day 5. The procedure involves loading embryos into an exemplary transfer catheter that passes through the vagina, cervix, and into the uterus. Under ultrasound guidance, the doctor ensures proper placement in the uterine cavity for potential implantation.
Implantation typically occurs between the first to the fifth day after a Blastocyst transfer. The implantation window is usually 6-10 days after the egg retrieval process.
Yes, some women may feel signs of implantation. This can include cramping and spotting, known as implantation bleeding when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining.
The transfer of embryos is generally almost painless and does not require anesthesia. However, some discomfort may occur during the insertion of a vaginal speculum to dilate the cervix, similar to the sensation during a pap smear.
Bed rest immediately after embryo transfer is typically advised for 4-6 hours by the attending doctor, but it is not necessary for improving pregnancy chances. Implantation usually occurs around the 7th or 8th day, so extended bed rest does not enhance the likelihood of pregnancy.
No, physical exertion like jumping, coughing, or sneezing does not cause the embryo to fall out once it's placed in the uterus. The uterine cavity securely holds the embryos, and if implantation is to occur, it will proceed irrespective of physical activities.
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