The Process of an Embryo or Egg Transfer in IVF
Embryo transfer generally occurs on the third or fourth day after the egg extraction. If you plan the transfer of frozen embryos the transfer will take place in accordance with the timeframe that you and your doctor have set in advance for your procedure. (Fertility Expert) DR. Ruchi Bhandari, Director of Mishka IVF a well-known IVF center in Jaipur states that the transfer of embryos is a vital and straightforward procedure. You need not be concerned, according to me. But you should take certain safety precautions and risks into consideration before you decide on the method. Before starting your treatment it is important to consult with your doctor or nurse about the quality of the embryos as well as the number of embryos that are going to shift back into the uterus.
How Does an Embryo Transfer Work?
Your fertility doctor will verify your name and date of birth to ensure that it is in line with the identification details of the embryos. The doctor will give you anesthesia during the embryo transfer. Certain clinics need the patient to take Valium or another sedative to relax the smooth muscles prior to the procedure. Although this can ease nerves, the aim is relaxation of the muscles within the uterus, which makes it a safer place for the embryo implant.
A doctor will transfer the embryos into the catheter. Insertion of a speculum into the vagina allows a view of the cervix. With the use of ultrasound guidance, a doctor will insert a catheter into the cervix and then into the uterus. Then, the doctor will gently introduce the embryos into the uterus. Consequently, embryos are most likely to get an implant inside the uterus in a span of a few days.
What Are the Types of Embryo Transfer?
Transfer of embryos from fresh: After fertilization completes, a doctor will keep the eggs for culturing with sperm in the dedicated laboratory for 1 to 3 days. The highest-quality embryos are then placed directly into the female uterus.
Frozen embryo transfer: Embryos in good health that were not used for the initial embryo transfer can be kept and used at a later date. Embryos that have been frozen may be defrosted before implantation.
Blastocyst embryo transfer: Fertilization results in the formation of multiple healthy embryos; it is common to wait to determine if the embryos transform into blastocysts. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Practice blastocyst embryo transfer has a higher percentage of success than the normal embryo transfer that occurs on the 3rd day. But, another study suggests that it could be an issue later in pregnancy.
What Preparations Need to be Made Prior to the Procedure?
It is important to take your medication regularly in accordance with the prescription. In addition, the doctor will instruct you to discontinue all medications that requires insertion in the vaginal region, To avoid interference from your catheter in the course of the treatment.
What to Do After Having an Embryo Transfer?
There is a possibility to remain asleep in bed for some time due to the use of medications. But, research hasn’t revealed any advantages to this process. It’s also possible that doctors instruct patients to refrain from things such as sexual activities, aerobics, bathing for a certain time. A doctor can complete an embryo’s implantation in little as 72 hours time following an embryo transfer. Follow your medication strictly in accordance with the prescribed dosage. Right now, there is nothing you can do to confirm that you are pregnant. So, take a rest and hope for the best.
What are the Potential Risks Associated with Embryo Transfer?
The risk of embryo transfer is low. The risks typically are due to the higher stimulation of hormones which can increase the likelihood of an occurrence of blood clots inside the blood vessels. Women may also experience bleeding, changes to vaginal discharge, infections, as well as complications from anesthesia. The likelihood of miscarriage is similar to the chance that occurs naturally. The possibility of multiple births is the biggest risk in embryo transfer. Also, It increases the risk of stillbirth and newborns with disabilities. It occurs more frequently when pregnant due to IVF, rather than natural conception.
Conclusion
If you’re not pregnant even after trying, a negative test doesn’t mean that your journey has to complete here. Only a medical professional can determine whether you could be eligible for further fertility treatments or not. After that, you’ll discuss with your doctor to determine the next steps to follow if you wish to investigate different options for fertility treatment or an alternative IVF cycle.
