Embryo transfer is one of the most crucial steps in the IVF procedure and brings people one step closer to their dream of being parents. The last procedure before confirming pregnancy through a home kit or a blood pregnancy test kit is embryo transfer. Let us look into the different phases of embryo transfer and be prepared to understand the varied expectations when the day comes.
An embryo transfer is a part of the In-Vitro Fertilisation process or IVF. Fertility medications and injections are given to the woman to produce healthy eggs, and these eggs are then further fertilized in the lab to make the embryo transfer. The placement of the embryo has to be concise and precise, which will be done through an ultrasound scan by your doctor.
An ultrasound of the uterus gives the doctor a proper image for the right placement of the catheter, and when placed correctly, you can experience a slight cramping. This process has given the intended parents the dream of starting their own family.
The embryo transfer procedure is best IVF centres in Kerala is similar to that of a pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to make sure that the vaginal walls are open, and then a catheter is inserted into the vagina through the cervix into the womb. An ultrasound scan is used during the process to make sure that the embryo is placed correctly. The discomfort that the woman usually feels during the procedure is caused by having a full bladder, which is necessary to get a clear picture of the uterus during the ultrasound. The process does not take much time, and once done, one can immediately clear their bladder.
There are different kinds of embryo transfers that happen within the IVF procedure. They are:
Embryos that have been derived from past transfers can be kept safe and frozen for an indefinite period of time. Many parents who have leftover embryos can still stand a chance by retrieving these frozen embryos and moving ahead with an embryo transfer. It is a normal scenario to have frozen embryos, as these embryos can be tested for genetic abnormalities and provide higher chances of conceiving a healthy baby and lesser chances of having a miscarriage. This procedure does not have any changes and is similar to that of a normal embryo transfer.
This is the exact same procedure we discussed under the heading “process of embryo transfer.” The eggs from the mom are retrieved and fertilised in a lab, and the newly formed embryo is implanted in the mother’s uterus.
This embryo transfer is named for cells that are cleaving and dividing. But they do not grow in size. The reason why some doctors prefer doing an embryo transfer while they are cleaving is to ensure that the embryo will have better chances to survive in a woman’s uterus. This is because not all the embryos can survive up to day 5.
On the fifth day, when the embryo has already developed into a sphere of 60 to 120 cells encircling a cavity filled with fluid, this transfer is carried out. The blastocyst implant is performed because it has a much higher genetic chance of being normal and even surviving the pregnancy. The doctor performs the embryo transfer according to the need, which has a good chance of survival and resulting in a full-term pregnancy.
The study or practice of how many embryos are transferred in one procedure is still under consideration. Usually doctors suggest one embryo transfer at a time, but there are other medical practitioners that suggest the transfer of two embryos to increase the chances of successful implantation. This is determined by the fertility clinic as well as the mother’s age. As the number of embryos implanted increases to ensure successful implantation, it also increases the chances of medical complications for the mother and the babies.
When you are deciding on an embryo transfer, you are usually given the option between fresh and frozen embryo transfers. Both of these options have their positives and negatives. Let us look into the benefits and risks associated with each of these embryo transfer procedures in IVF.
Fresh embryo transfers and frozen embryo transfers look into the quality of the endometrial lining before planning the implantation of the embryo. When it comes to fresh embryo transfer, doctors give medications that will help improve ovulation in the intended mother, which helps produce good-quality eggs for fertilization. For the purpose of enhancing the uterine lining during frozen embryo transfer, various medications are used, or none at all.
Fresh embryo transfer’s major benefit is that it takes a shorter time for conception, and people do prefer it for financial reasons as well. Frozen embryo transfer and similar procedures are not effectively covered by any insurance scheme.
The cons related to a fresh embryo transfer are that if the woman’s progesterone levels are high during the transfer, then it is likely that the implantation might be unsuccessful. If the patient has ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the medicines that are used to mature the egg can be harmful to the patient.
Frozen embryo transfers are chosen by women for various reasons. If intended parents intend to preserve their fertility, they can use the embryos that they retrieved in previous cycles to be used at a later stage and through the method of frozen embryo transfer. A major benefit of frozen embryo transfer is that it can be tested for genetic abnormalities and also for whether the embryo is healthy enough to commit to growing into a full-grown fetus. The frozen embryos are good for implantation up to 10 years after their fertilization. Frozen transfers are also a good option if the patient is suffering from any kind of issue, like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
There’s no need to be worried about embryo transfer as it is not a very painful procedure. If you choose a fresh embryo transfer, it takes place three to five days after the egg retrieval, and even longer if you opt for a frozen embryo transfer.
For more than 23 years, KJK Hospital has provided maternity care and Infertility treatment in Kerala. With a staff of renowned embryologists, top-notch facilities, highly trained nurses, and other professionals who guarantee maximum comfort and a welcoming environment for the patients, KJK Hospital guarantees their patients’ well-being. Choosing KJK for all of your maternity needs has the added benefit of their in-depth knowledge of reproductive medicine.
