Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that follows in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is often considered the simplest and final step of the in vitro fertilization process. The objective of this procedure is to facilitate conception following fertilization from the in vitro fertilization procedure.
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When does the embryo transfer procedure occur?
Embryos are generally transferred back to the woman's uterus at the two - eight cell stage, which occurs 48 - 72 hours after the retrieval.
What is the procedure for embryo transfer?
The patient is usually requested to have a full bladder which makes the uterus easier to see with an abdominal sonogram. The sonogram serves as a guide for the physician who is performing the procedure. A predetermined number of embryos are loaded into a fine transfer catheter which is passed through the cervix. The sonogram guides the physician to the appropriate spot at the top of the uterus, and the embryos are deposited from the catheter into the uterus. Following the procedure, the patient will usually remain in a recovery room resting on her back for approximately two hours. After that the couple are will wait and watch for early pregnancy symptoms.
What medications may be given along with the procedure?
The physician will assess individual situations and decide whether additional medications are needed. The patient may receive an injection of hCG after the embryo transfer to help the ovaries produce more progesterone during the embryonic implantation phase. In some cases, she may also be instructed to self-administer two additional hCG injections on specific days following the transfer. She may also be asked to use progesterone suppositories for a specified number of days following the transfer.
What risks are there with embryo transfer?
There are minimal risks with the embryo transfer procedure. The procedure is usually painless, although some women experience mild cramping.
Are there any instructions following the embryo transfer procedure?
Once the embryos are transferred, there is really nothing a patient can do to influence the outcome of her cycle. Currently, there is no documented evidence as to whether either bed rest or continuing normal activities following the procedure make a difference in the outcome. One physician may encourage you to rest for twenty four hours where another may suggest returning to normal activities. Some patients elect to rest because it helps them feel like they are improving their chances, and it gives them an opportunity to reflect on the potential baby. Other women elect to return to normal activities because it helps them avoid worrying about the possibility that the procedure may not be successful. Along with the advice from your physician, your body and state of mind should serve as additional guides to determine whether you should rest and relax or return to normal activities.
As a reminder, there is no documented evidence that physical activity or diet has an impact upon embryo implantation or conception. Conception is a natural phenomenon which depends mostly upon the genetic quality of the eggs. Almost without exception, Nature will only allow genetically perfect embryos to survive in order to maximize the chances of the birth of a healthy baby.
How many embryos should be transferred?
The number of embryos that should be transferred during any single IVF cycle is open to debate. It has been said in the medical literature that transferring no more than four embryos per IVF cycle will yield optimal results. Transferring more than four is believed to result in excess numbers of multiple pregnancies, which increases the possibility of other complications. Transferring four embryos versus one or two increases the probability that pregnancy will occur, but it is important to realize that all four embryos could implant. The next step is just watching for the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
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