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Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer


IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a very important decision and the first step you take towards having your own baby. As such, you need to know everything about the procedure and what it entails before committing to it.

  • IVF involves undergoing five steps before you can become pregnant. They are:
  • Ovulation induction,
  • Egg & sperm retrieval,
  • Fertilization,
  • Embryo culture, and
  • Embryo transfer.

Of these five steps, embryo transfer is the last and most important step of IVF. This step determines whether you succeed in getting pregnant. So, it is crucial for you to know what happens before, during, and after the embryo transfer.

This article gives you a detailed explanation of everything that happens in embryo transfer. Ensure you read it thoroughly before starting your IVF treatments.

What is an embryo transfer?

Embryo transfer is the last step of the IVF procedure, where the developed embryo(s) is collected and transferred into the female uterus. If the embryo implants into the uterine lining and starts developing, it is a successful IVF pregnancy.

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Embryo transfer procedure

After fertilization, the embryos will be monitored frequently to assess which of them are developing healthily. The embryos are usually transferred during the third day (cleavage stage) or fifth day (blastocyst stage) after fertilization.

Below are the steps involved in embryo transfer.

  • During the embryo transfer, the most suitable embryo, or occasionally two, will be chosen and loaded into a catheter. 
  • To facilitate the procedure, a speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to keep it open.
  • The catheter will then be inserted through the speculum, and the embryos will be released into the uterus.
  • The embryos will then implant into the uterine lining, resulting in pregnancy.

Types of embryo transfers

There are two types of embryo transfers you can opt for during your IVF treatments. You can discuss it with your doctor and decide the best option for you.

Fresh embryo transfers (ETs)

As the name suggests, fresh embryo transfer refers to embryo transfer that is done within 3 or 5 days of fertilization. The fertilized embryos are monitored, and the best among them is transferred to result in pregnancy.

This method is preferred by couples who wish to get pregnant soon and do not wish to delay their pregnancy. Fresh embryo transfers can be categorized based on the stage of embryo development: there are two types, each depending on the day of development.

1. Cleavage (day 3) Transfer

Cleavage transfer is done 3 days after fertilization. During this stage, the embryo cells will be in the process of cleaving or diving, hence the name cleavage transfer.

2. Blastocyst (day 5) Transfers

Blastocyst transfer occurs on the fifth day of embryo development. Day 5 transfer is better than day 3 transfer as it gives you two more days to ensure that the embryos are developing without any complications.

Frozen embryo transfers (FETs)

As the name suggests, frozen embryo transfer refers to transferring embryos that have been fertilized sometime before and frozen for future use. Unlike fresh embryo transfer, these embryos are stored using cryopreservation techniques and can be used even after a few years.

This is a good option for couples who wish to preserve their fertility and have a child later. The frozen embryos can be taken out, thawed, and used when you wish to have a baby.

Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer success rates

The success rate of your embryo transfer varies for fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Studies show that many doctors favor frozen embryo transfers because they tend to have a 15–20% higher success rate compared to fresh embryo transfers.

This is because, with fresh embryos, you can only monitor the embryos for three or five days. There are chances the embryo won’t develop after being transferred.

However, with frozen embryos, you can store them and run various tests like PGS and PGD to determine their quality and probability of success. This increases your chances of implantation and pregnancy.

Age and embryo transfer

Your age is one of the main factors that determine your success rate in embryo transfers. As you get older, your fertility naturally declines. So, if you wish to undergo IVF, it is best to do so when you are younger than 35.

Below is an approximate estimation of your IVF success rate according to your age group.

Age group Table Header
Younger than 35
80-95%
35-37 years
70%
38-40 years
60%
40-42 years
40%
Above 43 years
20%

Note: This estimation is applicable when only age is your cause of infertility. The success rate may differ if you have other complications.

How many embryos can be transferred?

There is also much speculation regarding the number of embryos that can be transferred during embryo transfer. Embryos can be transferred into the uterus in two different ways.

Single Embryo Transfer

A single embryo transfer is when a single, high-quality embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus. This procedure is done only after conducting various embryo testing and grading systems.

But is one embryo transfer good? The answer lies in the careful selection process. The best embryo with the highest chance of pregnancy will be transferred during this procedure.

Multiple Embryo Transfers

Multiple embryo transfer is when two or more embryos are transferred simultaneously into the uterus. This procedure is followed to increase the chances of pregnancy in women with fertility issues or if they are older than 35.

However, transferring these many embryos can also result in multiple pregnancies if all or most of the embryos are implanted in the uterus. This can cause serious complications in both the mother and embryos.

Benefits of embryo transfer

Embryo transfer is an important stage of the IVF procedure. As such, it has many benefits that can help you in your pregnancy journey.

  • It increases your chances of pregnancy. Embryo transfer, especially IVF as a whole, can increase the chances of pregnancy in couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally.
  • Allows selecting the best embryos for transfer. Unlike IUI, where you can’t choose which embryo implants and develops, you get to choose the best quality embryo to implant during embryo transfer. This also increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
  • Choosing the best embryos for embryo transfer also reduces the risks of miscarriage and other complications.
  • With frozen embryo transfer, you can choose when you wish to get pregnant. You don’t have to rush into pregnancy when you are not ready to become a parent.

Symptoms after embryo transfer

After an embryo transfer, many women experience a range of symptoms, which can be both physical and emotional, as the body adjusts to the changes and the potential onset of pregnancy. Below are some od the Symptoms.
Leg pain after embryo transfer - Symptoms
back pain after embryo transfer - Symptoms
Cramping after embryo transfer - Symptoms
Bleeding after embryo transfer - Symptoms
Fever after embryo transfer - Symptoms
Gas after embryo transfer - Symptoms

Risks of embryo transfers

Like any other medical procedure, embryo transfer also has its own risks. Some side effects that you can experience after an embryo transfer procedure are

  • Bloating,
  • Constipation,
  • Abdominal pain,
  • Cramping,
  • Low blood pressure,
  • Tender breasts, and
    Rapid weight gain.

Some other major complications you might experience after an embryo transfer are as follows:

  • Multiple pregnancy. This happens when two or more embryos are transferred into the uterus at the same time. This can cause complications during labor and result in low birth weight in babies.
  • Miscarriage. The rate of miscarriage is comparatively low in IVF. But it does not mean it cannot lead to miscarriages.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. This happens when the transferred embryos implant somewhere else instead of the uterus.There are ways to avoid ectopic pregnancy, including  adopting lifestyle changes that may reduce risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy.
  • Premature delivery. IVF slightly increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight in some babies.

Apart from these risks, certain antibiotics can affect embryo implantation rates. Discuss with your doctor and check whether the antibiotics you take can affect IVF success.

Conclusion

If you have been struggling with infertility, IVF is a great way for you to get pregnant. Ensure that you do adequate research about the procedure and know what happens during each stage before deciding to undergo it.

Also, ensure that you choose the best fertility doctor for your IVF treatment. The qualifications and expertise of the doctor you choose also play a part in your IVF success.

FAQs

How soon after embryo transfer are you pregnant?

You can take a urine pregnancy test at home to confirm pregnancy about two weeks after embryo transfer. These two weeks will give enough time for the embryo to implant into the uterus and start releasing the hCG hormones.

You can also visit your hospital and take a blood test or an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.

How painful is embryo transfer?

Most women don’t find embryo transfer to be painful. It is a minimally invasive procedure and will be over within 5–10 minutes. You might feel some slight discomfort for some time after the procedure. However, it is temporary and will disappear over time.

How successful is embryo transfer on the first try?

For a woman with minor infertility issues, their success rate during their first IVF cycle will be around 25–35%. The success rate increases as the number of cycles increases.

How many embryo transfers are good in IVF?

The number of embryos that can be transferred depends on your age. If you are younger than 35, it will be okay to transfer one embryo. You need to transfer 2 embryos if you are 30–35 years old and 3 embryos if you are older than 35. This is to increase the chances of embryo implantation and successful pregnancy.

Picture of Dr Niveditha
Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

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