TRANSFUSION (TRANSFER) OF EMBRYOS DURING IVF
Embryo transfer is the final stage of the in vitro fertilization program. The procedure does not cause difficulties for an experienced doctor, but in some cases difficult situations may arise.
FEATURES OF THIS IVF STAGE
After embryo replanting, each patient experiences a completely understandable excitement. A woman who has undergone the procedure will have to wait at least 10-14 days. After that, conclusions will be drawn whether the attempt to conceive was successful or if it needs to be repeated.
In the “Medical Plaza” Medical Center, there are two options for transferring embryos into the uterine cavity:
- in the "fresh" cycle (immediately after stimulation);
- transfusion of thawed embryos.
Patients are always interested in how to prepare for embryo transfer. Special preparation before the procedure is not required. If the transfer of the embryo will be carried out under ultrasound control, immediately before the manipulation, you should refrain from visiting the toilet. This is necessary for better visualization of the bladder. In cases where ultrasonic testing is carried out after replanting, going to the restroom is not prohibited.
On the day on which the transfer of embryos is scheduled, it is worth taking a morning shower and performing all the usual hygiene procedures. It is necessary to take the medications prescribed by your doctor and have a full breakfast. Before going to the clinic, you need to use vaginal suppositories with progesterone (special balls intended for morning introduction into the vagina).
Many are interested in the question: what is the price of replanting embryos? Embryotransfer is an integral step in a comprehensive program of in vitro fertilization. Medical Plaza center has one of the most affordable prices for the IVF complex. The procedure is carried out by competent doctors with many years of experience in the field of reproductive medicine.
HOW`S THE EMBRYO TRANSFERRED TO THE UTERINE CAVITY?
The specialists of our clinic are always ready to tell how embryo transfer is done. To carry out this manipulation, a patient is escorted into a room in communication with the embryological laboratory. During the procedure, the woman is in the gynecological chair.
The transfer carried out in the "fresh" cycle, involves special studies. Using ultrasound equipment, the doctor performs:
- examination of the ovaries;
- measurement of the length of the cervical canal;
- analysis of the fluid occupying the space behind the uterus.
Further, the reproductologist accurately tells the embryologist what the length of the cervical canal is. This helps to place the correct mark on the catheter in which the embryo will be temporarily located.
At the next stage, the uterine cervix is exposed. For this purpose, a gynecological mirror is used. Then, with a soft swab soaked in a neutral medium (saline), the mucous membranes of the cervix and vagina are treated. Nutrient solutions may also be used.
After thorough processing of the vaginal mucosa and uterine cervix, you can proceed directly to the transfer. An embryologist fills a catheter with a nutrient medium with an embryo, using a binocular magnifier, and observing a certain order of substance intake. Transfer rate is of utmost importance: embryos are highly sensitive to light and air.
The catheters used for insertion have various configurations. There are products with a soft, curved or straight tip, or a special conductor. Specialists of the Medical Plaza center always use high-quality catheters from leading manufacturers. These include disposable plastic products that have passed the necessary biological safety checks.
When transferring a catheter to a doctor, the embryologist voices the surname of the woman undergoing the procedure. This point is essential for the accurate identification of the patient.
A catheter is inserted into the cervical canal. Then it should fall into the area located 2 cm further than the internal pharynx. Only then you can press the syringe plunger. Then the catheter is removed from the uterine cavity without releasing the piston. This measure helps to eliminate the reverse absorption of the embryo.
Having performed the implantation, the doctor passes the catheter to the embryologist. To eliminate doubts about the normal transfer, a specialist needs to examine him under a magnifying glass and make sure that there is no embryo inside. Then the gynecological mirror is removed and ultrasound is performed, which allows to determine the location of the embryo in the uterine cavity.
During the ultrasound, vesicles with a hyperechoic structure are visualized inside the uterus. It is quite difficult to see the embryo, It has microscopic dimensions.
WHICH DAY THE EMBRYO TRANSFER IS PERFORMED ON?
The timing of replanting should be agreed with the embryologist. It is determined by the quantity and quality of transferred embryos. In most cases, the procedure is performed on 2-6 day of their development.
In addition, the patient should be informed on which day of the cycle embryo replanting is performed. The optimal period for manipulation is considered to be 6-8 days from the start of ovulation.
HOW MANY EMBRYOS CAN BE TRANSFERRED AT ONCE?
In most countries of the world, including Ukraine, two embryos are transplanted. This reduces the risk of multiple pregnancy.
One of the most modern methods is SET selective transfer of one embryo (which must have passed genetic typing). This transfer option is legal in Sweden.
If the embryos have poor quality, or in the past the woman has had several unsuccessful IVF attempts, more embryos will be implanted. This will require the written consent of the patient.
WHEN ARE THE FROZEN EMBRYOS USED?
Frozen embryo replanting is a procedure that is resorted to in case of failure of the previous IVF. Many embryos (at least 70%) tolerate freezing well. To increase the chances of success, transfer to the uterus is performed directly on the day of “thawing”.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EMBRYO IMMEDIATELY AFTER TRANSFER?
Monitoring the embryo using ultrasound equipment allows you to track its movement in the uterine cavity. 6-12 hours after replanting, the embryo is introduced into the endometrium, after which it is implanted.
The presence of embryos in the uterus stimulates the course of various processes (biochemical, immunological). Implantation occurs if the woman’s body has managed to achieve equilibrium.
WHEN WILL THE RESULT BE KNOWN?
After the embryo replanting during IVF has passed, you should not conduct a pregnancy test daily. It is important to know that the results of the procedure appear only after 10 days. In some cases, this happens later.
CAN COMPLICATIONS ARISE DURING THE LANDING PROCESS?
Experts do not exclude a similar probability. This may occur if:
- The doctor is unable to pass the cervical canal due to obstacles (bends, adhesions). Under such circumstances, the embryo will need to be placed in a rigid catheter with a guide and a new attempt to implant.
- After transfer, the embryo remains in the catheter. In this case, the nutrient medium is recruited with it again, and the repeated procedure is carried out in a standard way.
In some cases, the patient cannot relax, which is a prerequisite for a successful transfer. To relieve stress, a harmless short-term anesthesia is used.
WHY IS IT UNWANTED TO DO IVF IN A STRESS STATE?
Stress can be a serious obstacle to pregnancy. At the same time, a woman preparing for IVF should not take strong antidepressants.
It is best to discuss with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist what to do in such a situation and which sedatives will be the safest. It is also important to clarify in advance what can be taken from stress during pregnancy.
CAN AN EMBRYO DROP OUT OF THE UTERUS AFTER THE POCEDURE?
Specialists at the “Medical Plaza” Medical Center always warn patients that this is completely ruled out. Female reproductive organs are designed to provide the embryo with complete safety inside the uterine cavity.
WHAT IS DOUBLE AND TRIAL TRANSFER?
In some situations, a double or trial transfer is tried. Such manipulations are carried out in the presence of certain indications.
DOUBLE TRANSFER
The essence of this reproductive procedure is to transfer the embryo into the uterus on the 3rd day of its development. The second embryo sits after 2 days, on the 5th day of development.
Double embryo replanting is indicated for patients with a small number of embryos. This method is also used, there is a possibility that on day 5 the embryos will not reach the required level of development.
TRIAL PROCEDURE
If a woman underwent surgery in the field of internal reproductive organs in the past, a trial manipulation is performed. It is useful to know how embryo replanting occurs during IVF in this case. The procedure is carried out in order to facilitate the passage of the catheter with the embryo. A similar manipulation is prescribed for 3-5 days of the menstrual cycle. It is also carried out simultaneously with the beginning of stimulation.
The method involves the insertion of an empty catheter. If the cervical canal has a curved structure, the doctor performs a sketch of his moves. In the case when the passage of the cervical canal becomes problematic, the patient is prescribed hysteroscopy, and the stimulation is temporarily canceled.
BEHAVIOR RULES AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER
Patients who know what cannot be done before embryo transfer have the highest chances of conception and a successful pregnancy after the first procedure. A few weeks before in vitro fertilization recommended:
- sexual rest;
- minimization of physical activity;
- quitting smoking, drinking alcohol;
- abstinence from hot water procedures (taking baths, visiting saunas, baths).
A woman should get enough sleep and food, excluding work in night shifts. It is also necessary to take medications prescribed to support an upcoming pregnancy.
In order to know exactly how much embryo replanting costs, you need to visit our specialist. The price of this procedure is negotiated with the doctor individually during the consultation.