Embryo transfer is the last procedure done before blood test in the complete process of ART, like IVF in terms of fertility success. Embryo transfer is a crucial procedure that helps with the implantation process. This blog contains detailed information about embryo transfer and its process.
What is Embryo Transfer?
Embryo transfer is a method that involves the treatment of IVF when a woman cannot get pregnant naturally. There is no compulsion for the need of a woman’s body for embryo’s growth.
The embryo culture will be created and transferred to the female uterus where the eggs are collected from the female ovaries and the semen sample is collected from the male. This is known as “embryo transfer.”
What is the Process for Embryo Transfer?
Embryo transfer is a procedure where a thin tube called a catheter with a syringe at the end is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. This is inserted into the vagina through the speculum which is placed already.
There will be two different methods for transferring embryos.
- Fresh embryo transfer
- Frozen embryo transfer
Only 20% of the transfer will be done through the fresh embryo but 80% by the frozen embryo, giving a 10% higher success rate.
Process
The initial stage of this reproductive process will involve the collection of sperm and eggs. After the first month’s menstrual cycle, you will get a month of gap and on the second month of the menstrual cycle, you will have a call for a checkup on the second day of the period.
If necessary the doctor will provide medications to examine the ovaries and the lining of the uterus. The medicines are to be taken daily to keep the lining of the uterus in good shape.
You will be prepared for the embryo transfer once all necessary tests have been completed.
Preparation of the Uterine Lining
The endometrium provides nutrition for the fetus during each month of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone and estrogen aid in thickening the walls. This medicine promotes healthy growth of the uterine lining. During menstruation, the body helps in allowing the embryos.
Selection of Embryos
After chromosomal and genetic testing, the best-quality embryos will be selected for embryo transfer. The embryo selection procedure includes time-lapse, morphological evaluations, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Morphological assessments
It will be conducted for examining the in-vitro development from the cleavage stage to the blastocyst stage.
Time-lapse
To determine the stage of development, the embryos will be observed through the incubator’s camera.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
It assists in determining the abnormal chromosomes and ultimately determines a suitable chromosomal count. It helps in the identification of genetic diseases that pass down through generations. Any further unexpected issues may also be displayed.
Advantages of selecting an embryo
- Identify abnormalities
- Reduce miscarriages
- Parents can choose healthy, high-quality embryos.
- Pregnancy rates can increase by 60–80%.
- It safeguards the generation from heart disease.
Transfer Procedure
There are a few things the patient needs to do on the day of treatment.
- Before two hours, the patients need to be admitted to the hospital.
- Patients may be allowed to return to their regular eating schedules, but in certain situations,when there is a need for anesthesia they should fast for the previous eight hours before the treatment.
- To help the embryo settle freely, patients should be slightly full in their bladders, where the uterus forms a flat surface.
- The uterus will be checked with a tiny speculum implanted.
Number of Embryos Transferred
The embryo transfer count will be analysed by the embryo quality and the patient’s age.
| Age | High quality | Average quality | Low quality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Below 35 |
1 |
1 to 2 |
2 |
|
35 to 37 |
1 to 2 |
2 |
2 to 3 |
|
38 to 40 |
2 |
2 to 3 |
3 |
|
40 and above |
2 to 3 |
3 |
3 above |
Timing of Embryo Transfer
After the egg is recovered, the fresh embryo will be transferred three to five days later. To prepare for the treatment, it is important to consistently take all of the prescription medicines as prescribed by the doctors.
Following the egg retrieval, the woman will have a break after her first menstrual cycle until getting tested for estrogen starting on the second day of her next menstrual month. The process of transferring embryos will begin the next month once the analysis is complete and the results are satisfactory.
Days of Embryo Transfer
| Transfer day | Timing | Development stage |
|---|---|---|
|
Day 2 |
2 days |
2 to 4 cell |
|
Day 3 |
3 days |
6 to 8 cell |
|
Day 5 |
5 days |
Blastocyst stage |
|
Day 6 |
6 days |
Advanced Blastocyst stage |
Day-by-day steps followed for the embryo transfer
Day 1: Transfer of embryos
Day 2: Getting ready for the implantation
Day 3 to 5: The implantation procedure
Day 6: Divide and develop stage
Days 7 to 9: Work on the embryo
Day 10–14: A fifteen-day wait
Day 15: Test for pregnancy
Factors Affecting Timing
After the egg is recovered, the fresh embryo transfer will take place three to five days later. However, there are other reasons for the patients if the embryo transfer is delayed.
They are:
- The negative consequences of fertility medicine
- The dangers of removing eggs
- Cramps, spotting, or discomfort during the transfer of embryos
- Imbalance of hormones
- An overall decrease in the success rate
Embryo Transfer Success Rates
The age, quality, and quantity of the embryos transferred directly influence the success rate of embryo transfers.
Age: The patient’s age and health status impact the success rate.
Quality of the embryo: A key indicator of success is the embryo’s quality and development. The highest possible success rate is achieved by superior-grade embryos.
Number of embryo transfers: While increasing the number of embryo transfers can lead to a higher success rate, it can also result in more births.
| Age | Success rate |
|---|---|
|
Under 35 |
55.6% |
|
35 to 37 |
40.8% |
|
38 to 40 |
26.4% |
|
41 to 42 |
11.9% |
|
43 and above |
5.9% |
Comparison with Other ART Procedures
IVF embryo transfer and other ART procedures
| Fertility treatments | Procedure |
|---|---|
|
IVF |
IVF Direct implantation of one or more embryos into the uterus will result in fertilization. |
|
A single live sperm is inserted directly into the egg through the uterus in a procedure similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF) |
|
|
GIFT |
Multiple eggs are collected and placed in the catheter along with sperm. Later, the gametes are injected into the fallopian tubes through laparoscopy. |
|
FET |
After being removed from the freezer, the frozen eggs will be inserted into the uterus. |
Embryo Transfer Risks and Complications
A technical procedure called embryo transfer helps in fertilization in certain situations where women are unable to conceive naturally. There are difficulties and risks associated with this kind of procedure.
Embryos were lost during the transfer process. Sometimes the fallopian tube’s implantation occurs in the incorrect spot. Hormone levels during embryo transfer are raised by it. Due to some hormone imbalance patients may have severe leg pain and back pain by the intake of medications.
Several risks associated with embryo transfer are
- Multiple pregnancies
- Premature deliveries
- Implant failure
- Miscarriage
- Bleeding
- Stress
- Hormone imbalance side effects
Having sex before the embryo transfer will cause infection and affect the uterine lining, by the same time, it can also help the couples to have an emotional bonding and helps for relaxation.
However, having sex before embryo transfer should be avoided. Having sex after embryo transfer will not cause any danger to the embryo transfer and it is completely safe.
Precautions Taken to Minimize Risks
Some steps should be followed to reduce the risks associated with embryo transfer.
Both partners should take care of themselves, engage themselves, and be prepared for the treatments. They should take their medications as directed by doctors, take vitamins, folic acid, maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and avoid sexual activity.
Thus, those seeking to become pregnant through embryo transfer with minimum risks can select the best fertility hospital by comparing the success rate of the hospital close to you.
Conclusion
Embryo transfer is a simple, highly technological treatment that deals with infertility. This aids in the process of fertilization by joining the sperm and eggs. It is an effective method for getting pregnant.
This could be different from an individual in terms of the quality of the embryo, age, and reproductive organs. Getting advice from a top specialist can improve the chances of successful conception.
- Identify abnormalities
- Reduce miscarriages
- Parents can choose healthy, high-quality embryos.
- Pregnancy rates can increase by 60–80%.
- It safeguards the generation from heart disease.
Age | High quality |
Below 35 | 1 |
35 to 37 | 1 to 2 |
38 to 40 | 2 |
40 and above | 2 to 3 |
Having sex before the embryo transfer will cause infection and affect the uterine lining. But it helps with relaxation and creates emotional bonding. So it is good to avoid sex before going for embryo transfer.
