Embryo Transfer- The Key IVF Step

by Dr. Manika Khanna Gaudium IVF Centre

IVF or in vitro fertilization is a ground breaking assisted reproductive technique which has helped thousands of hopeless couples fulfill the elusive dream of parenthood. The protocol-based procedure constitutes of a series of steps, starting with ovarian stimulation, followed by egg retrieval, lab culture of embryo by fertilization of the eggs with sperms and finally, embryo transfer. The last and final step, embryo transfer, plays a vital role in the success of IVF and done right, it ensures that the entire work done prior to it, yields fruitful results.

The eggs retrieved from the ovaries are combined with male sperms in a lab dish to form embryo(s) for 2 to 4 days and sometimes up to 5 days, till they reach the blastocyst stage; generally, more than one embryos is cultured and the healthiest amongst these are selected using pre-implantation genetic screening to ensure that only the genetically best embryos are used for IVF. The elected embryo(s) is then placed in the uterus of the woman using a transfer catheter.

Embryo transfer is done under a mild sedative to ensure that the woman remains relaxed during the procedure. It is a delicate process which is to be performed with skill and expertise. Once done, the patient has to wait for the embryo to implant itself in the uterus and pregnancy to take place. Pregnancy can be confirmed after the 2ww (two week wait) period using a simple urine test and an ultrasound scan. Certain preparatory steps and precautions can improve the chances of success of embryo transfer.

Preparing for Embryo Transfer

The success of embryo transfer is a matter of timing and all that is needed to ensure the implantation of the embryo is to do the transfer at the right time. This is to be done when the cultured embryo is at 2-8 cell stage, which usually falls between days 2 and 4 of lab culture. Some clinics prefer to wait till day 5 of embryo culture, which corresponds with the blastocyst stage of the embryo.

Just as the embryo transfer is to be timed in tune with the maturity of the embryo, the uterus needs to be prepared to accept the embryo for implantation. This has to be done with the help of hormonal supplementation, with administration of estrogen and progesterone for improving the possibility of implantation. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, the medication is discontinued.

Gaudium IVF is one of the top IVF centre in Delhi, where patients are offered advanced infertility treatment by a team of qualified and expert fertility specialists. The clinic is renowned for its high tech IVF labs and boasts of excellent treatment success-rates.

Precautionary measures during and after embryo transfer

Embryo transfer is an extremely delicate procedure, which has to be performed by skilled and experienced specialists. Certain precautionary measures during and after the transfer, can go a long way in maximizing the chances of IVF pregnancy. Bed rest for a few hours is recommended for the patient right after the embryo transfer. After that, she can resume her normal day to day activities without any risk. Contrary to the popular belief, the woman need not confine herself to bed till the pregnancy is confirmed. At the same time, it is advisable to refrain from vigorous exercise and lifting heavy objects. Swimming, hot baths and sexual intercourse are also to be avoided during the 2ww.

Since a woman undergoing IVF expects to get a positive pregnancy result after the embryo transfer, she needs to adopt a few lifestyle changes to prepare her body for the upcoming pregnancy. Healthy diet is a favor that she can do to herself, while abstinence from smoking and alcohol would be beneficial too. She should also avoid needless medicine intake as well as caffeinated drinks.

Finding an expert specialist is the best way of ensuring the accuracy of embryo transfer and success of IVF. At Gaudium IVF, the best infertility center in Delhi, patients are given excellent treatment by the leading IVF specialists in Delhi. Visit here for a free second opinion by Dr Manika Khanna, the award winning infertility specialist with thousands of successful IVF cases to her credit.