Embryo transfer is a vital and final stage of IVF process where 1-2 good embryos will be transferred into the uterus with the hope of becoming pregnant. The good embryos will be obtained after the fertilization and culture process. The procedure is performed at the fertility clinic by infertility specialist.
Embryo transfer is usually performed when the embryos have been cultured to the right stage. There are two types of embryo transfers:
Generally, between two and four embryos are transferred during each IVF cycle. The exact number of embryos that you have transferred will depend upon a number of factors, including:the number of embryos that were formed after egg retrieval,the quality of of the embryos,the age,Previous history of hyperstimulation.The greater the number of embryos that are transferred into your uterus, the higher your risk of having a multiple pregnancy.
The embryo transfer will be performed at the fertility clinic. It is a completely painless procedure, where no anaesthasia is required and it takes few minutes. It doesn't need prior admission or over night fasting . The patient can take a light diet as usual , will be asked to come few hours early. She will be asked to take plenty of water to make the bladder full. This is required to clearly assess the position of the uterus through the ultrasound and properly place the embryos. Once the embryos are selected they are stored in a special flexible rubber catheter. She is put in a dorsal position ,cervix is cleaned of any cervical mucous, and ultrasound guided embryotransfer is done just 1-2cm below the fundus . It is as good as and painless as IUI .After the transfer procedure the patient asked to lie down for two hours, just to monitor as very few may develop cramp like pains. No other serious side effects have been noted . After a couple of days you can get back to normal daily routine activities. You will be put on progesterone preparations for two weeks ,orally, either ijnectables or vaginal suppositories . Along with that you may be put on multivitamins, HCG and heparin injections also. The patient is asked return after 10-12 days for pregnancy tests like HCG and USG. Typically, most couples have leftover embryos remaining from the IVF process. It is for the partners to decide wheather the embryos will be discarded , frozen for future use or donate them. These options allow you to store your embryos for your own future use or to help other couples who are suffering from infertility to conceive.
