Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the last and most important step of IVF procedures. This is where the embryos are transferred into the uterus for further development. Pregnancy happens only when the embryo implants itself firmly into the uterine wall.
At PFRC, we take careful measures during the procedure and undertake them with expert precision with the help of an ultrasound scan. We employ cutting-edge technology to improve the chances of pregnancy.
Embryo transfer procedure
- To lower the chance of multiple pregnancies, we transfer a maximum of 2-3 embryos in each cycle after a thorough discussion with the patient. Very rarely, four embryos can be transferred.
- The procedure is simple and not painful; hence anaesthesia is not required.
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and the cervix is exposed and washed with sterile water.
- The embryos are then collected into a catheter, which is then softly and carefully inserted into the uterus through the cervix.
- Our embryologist carefully examines the catheter after transfer to ensure that each embryo is transferred with care.
Types of embryo transfers we offer
According to the patient’s needs, we offer two types of embryo transfers.
- Fresh embryo transfer
- Frozen embryo transfer
Fresh embryo transfer
- Fresh embryo transfer is when the eggs are transferred into the uterus within 3-5 days of fertilization.
- Once the embryos reach the blastocyst stage, the best ones among them are selected and transferred into the uterus to result in pregnancy. This method is a great option for couples who wish to have their baby sooner.
Frozen embryo transfer
- Frozen embryo transfer is when the fertilized eggs are frozen and stored for future purposes. This method is called embryo cryopreservation. If there are any healthy embryos left after fresh embryo transfer, they may be frozen after getting permission from the parents.
- In case the embryos transferred don’t lead to pregnancy, the frozen embryos can come in handy. This also reduces the need for women to go through the egg retrieval process once again.
- This choice will be discussed with the patients on the day of the embryo transfer. It is significant to remember that not all embryos can be frozen, and not all embryos will be frozen.
Embryo freezing details at PFRC
On the sixth day following egg collection, you must make the payment for embryo freezing. Patients who wish to freeze their embryos should get in touch with the lab to further discuss the process.
PFRC has cutting-edge cryopreservation equipment available, and the embryo freezing procedure is entirely computerized. To maintain their identity, all embryos are coded, labeled, and stored in special containers.
Why should women consider freezing eggs?
Egg freezing is the best choice for women who wish to preserve their fertility and have a child in later years. Here is why women should consider freezing their eggs.
- Women don’t have to go through egg retrieval often. They can store eggs and use them later.
- It is helpful for patients with malign diseases. The ovaries of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy are stimulated, allowing for egg collection and freezing via a process known as "vitrification".
- The recovery rate of frozen eggs is great, and thousands of healthy kids have been born from frozen eggs, demonstrating this to be a safe procedure.
- Women with endometriosis have depleted ovarian reserve. These women can preserve their eggs for use in the future.
- Eggs can be preserved until the appropriate time comes when marriage possibilities are remote due to professional reasons. Women over 35 should take particular note of this and preserve their eggs soon.
- It can also be helpful for women with a family history of early menopause. When necessary, these eggs can be thawed and fertilized with husband or donor sperm, which has great pregnancy success rates.
What happens after a successful embryo transfer?
Women can do a pregnancy test and check if they have become pregnant 15 days after embryo transfer. Here are the possibilities of what might happen then.
May result in pregnancy
The best possible result is for the transfer to result in pregnancy. Patients can confirm their pregnancy with the hospital over the phone. However, follow-up treatments start two weeks later when they visit for a scan.
All the medications prescribed by the doctors should be taken on time without fail.
May not result in pregnancy
Despite all the technological advancements in recent years, an IVF cycle can still have a negative result. There is almost never a logical reason why a cycle might not succeed.
After an unsuccessful IVF treatment, the menstrual cycles are often heavy, and there may be some irregularity in subsequent cycles. Dr Geetha will talk about the likely cause of the failure when you visit the hospital for further treatments.
May result in abnormal pregnancies
It’s important to understand that issues could still arise even if a pregnancy test comes back positive. About 15% of patients experience miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies are also conceivable (rare but possible, especially if there has been tubal damage in the past). Chromosome abnormalities and congenital defects may also occur.
May result in multiple pregnancies
Sometimes, there is a 25% to 30% chance of having multiple pregnancies, generally twins and occasionally triplets, when three embryos are transferred at once. While some couples view numerous pregnancies as a positive outcome of the treatment, the truth can be different.
Complications can occur for both the mother and the newborns due to multiple pregnancies. There is a higher chance of miscarriage and early birth in particular. Reduced survival rates, long-term health issues, and disability can all result from multiple pregnancies.
At PFRC, we recommend the transfer of 1-2 embryos for those who have had successful previous pregnancies and additional medications for those with previous IVF failures.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Women can do a pregnancy test and check if they have become pregnant 15 days after embryo transfer. They can get a pregnancy test kit and do the test at home.
Since embryo transfer is a simple procedure, sedation or anaesthesia are very rarely used. The embryo or embryos are placed into the uterus through the cervix using a long, thin catheter that is filled with the agreed-upon number of embryos and a tiny amount of fluid.
Embryo transfer is not painful, but it could cause some discomfort. The majority of patients said that the feelings they had during this process were similar to those they had during a typical Pap smear. Patients may ask for oral sedatives if they are extremely anxious about the operation.
Though embryo transfer is a simple procedure, and you can resume daily work after a few days of rest, there are some things you need to follow to ensure your and your baby’s health. Here are some food items you should avoid consuming after an embryo transfer.
Do not consume any leftovers, excessive sugar, processed food, canned food, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, or anything containing mercury. Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid or any other medication that your doctor prescribes.