Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is the last hurdle in the process of a long journey of IVF. It is a procedure wherein the embryos are transferred into the women's uterus and monitored for implantation and positive pregnancy. It is the crucial process on which the entire success of the IVF procedure stands. There is a 2-week wait and watch approach followed by the doctor to know if there is a positive pregnancy, and the process is successful.
TYPES OF EMBRYO TRANSFER
The different types of embryo transfer include:
FRESH EMBRYO TRANSFER: After the eggs have been fertilized for 1-5 days, they are transferred back into the women's uterus without any waiting period.
FROZEN/CRYOPRESERVED TRANSFER: The embryos that are not used in the fresh cycle are cryopreserved and transferred back when required. For women with maximum egg retrieval, a frozen transfer is preferred over the fresh one as it provides them with a sufficient recovery period.
BLASTOCYST TRANSFER: It is a process that involves transferring embryos at the advanced growth stage known as the blastocyst stage rather than a normal day 3 transfer. Studies reveal that this method has a higher success rate when compared to the standard embryo transfer.
PROCESS
Supportive medications like progesterone and estrogen are prescribed well in advance to maintain proper uterus lining and prepare the body for pregnancy.
On the day of transfer, women have to maintain a full bladder for the transfer to be easy and get a clear view of the uterus by the abdominal ultrasound
The transfer is done under aseptic conditions with the full consciousness of the patient. It will be just like a pap smear test.
With the help of a speculum, catheter, and ultrasound, the embryos are transferred into the uterus for the implantation process to take place. The entire procedure takes almost 20 minutes.
After the transfer, women are sent home and instructed to follow the prescribed medication. They can continue with their regular daily activities during the two week wait period.