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How Many Days after Egg Retrieval is Embryo Transfer?

How Many Days after Egg Retrieval is Embryo Transfer?

So, congratulations on your first step towards having a little child. Yes, if you’re here, then you might be eager to know about the steps after egg retrieval.

Well, this blog will give you a clear view of what happens after the retrieval process and what to expect after the egg transfer process. Hence, keep going through the sections and make informed decisions in your IVF journey.

How Many Days after Egg Retrieval is Embryo Transfer?

It takes between three to five days. Yeah, women undergoing this treatment don’t want to wait for a long time for the next process. Rest after egg retrieval, and if your body is ready, the embryo transfer is usually done 3 to 5 days afterward.

But, what happens after embryo retrieval? Have you ever wondered about it?

Post-ER, you can expect embryo culture in the laboratory. Here is an elaboration of what happens after embryo retrieval, take a glance at them.

Embryos with regular appearing cells, a higher number of cells, and little or no fragmentation can have improved chances of implantation. So, embryologists will check for normal fertilization by checking for two clear nuclei.

Then, they will inject the sperm directly into every retrieved egg to start fertilization.

Day 3 transfer (Cleavage Stage)

On 3rd day of embryo grading, the embryos will be divided and not grown properly in size. Embryologists view the structure of the embryos under a microscope and check the amount of cells it contains.

Specialists will split the embryos into three grades such as A, B, and C. Grade A will have 6 to 10 uniformed-size cells with less than 10% fragmentation. While Grade B contains embryos with an irregular shape and around 25% to 50% fragmentation.

Embryos with more than 50% fragmentation come under Grade C. Checking the early cleavage is the most important thing as it indicates the embryo quality. Plus, it also helps in embryo selection for transfer.

Advantages of transferring day 3

  • More embryos are available for transfer.
  • Embryos will be placed in the uterine environment earlier.
  • Reduces the chance of cycle cancelation.

Day 5 transfer (blastocyst stage)

The blastocyst stage is around day 5 or 6 after the fertilization process. Embryos will be more mature and there is a high possibility of getting chromosomally normal and healthy embryos.

More than day 3, the 5th-day Blastocyst stage has a higher chance of implantation. So, doctors try to utilize it and transfer the eggs on day 5 after retrieval.

Advantages of transferring day 5

  • Eliminating the embryos that don’t reach the blastocyst stage.
  • Improved implantation rates and pre-implantation genetic testing will be available to deliver a chromosomally normal baby.
  • Identifying high-quality embryos is easy and everything will be transferred at a time.

Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Key Differences

 Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer varies in timing, flexibility, implantation, and success rates.

Fresh ET Frozen ET
Process
It takes place 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval.
It takes place after 6 to 8 weeks after egg retrieval.
Success rate

For women under 35 years, it is 40% to 50%
For women over 40 years, it is around 13% to 2%

For patients under 35 years, it is 60%
For patients over 40 years, it is 20%

 

Flexibility
Happens quickly, but it is less flexible. It means immediately, you need to go for the egg transfer process.
More recovery time and flexibility. Women can plan according to their body recovery and take more time to relax post-retrieval.
Time taken for implantation
Fresh ET takes 1 to 2 days after the 5th day of IVF Blastocyst transfer.
Frozen embryo takes around 2 to 3 weeks post-embryo transfer for implantation.

What to Expect During Embryo Transfer Day

For sure, you might be waiting for this big day since day one of in vitro fertilization. So, what can you expect on the day of embryo transfer?

Embryo Transfer Procedure

The embryo transfer of IVF procedure is a short process that takes between 15 and 30 minutes. A fertility expert inserts a thin tube, catheter through vagina and cervix into the womb.

Fortunately, patients experience only mild discomfort around 10% and the transfer is 90% painless. Sometimes, you can also sense a similar pressure during your due date. If it is your case, then don’t panic, because it is absolutely normal after transfer.

When the pain gets worse or is accompanied by bleeding you need to consult the doctor. In addition, know about the dos and don’ts of embryo transfer to improve the results.

Dos after Embryo Transfer

  • Trust your fertility expert and follow their instructions. 
  • Take sufficient rest on transfer day, but make sure to stay active. 
  • Delay the bowel movement. 
  • Relax and manage anxiety and stress. 
  • Hydrate sufficiently. 

Dont's after Embryo Transfer

  • Avoid drinking alcohol and quit smoking. 
  • Don’t have sexual intercourse. 
  • Avoid taking a pregnancy test immediately. 
  • Never do intense physical activities. 
  • Stop exposing yourself to excessive heat. 
  • Don’t take Ibuprofen. 

Final Words

Hope this article helps to understand the IVF egg retrieval and transfer process. Ensure to maintain open communication with your fertility expert as they can assist you at any stage of the process.

In general, eating healthy foods, avoiding cigars, drugs, and alcohol, and drinking plenty of water can help you achieve a successful pregnancy. So, do follow these tips along with doctor-prescribed medicines for a healthy embryo transfer process.

FAQs

What is the next step after egg retrieval IVF?

Lab analysis and fertilization are the further steps post egg retrieval. If you’re doing a fresh embryo transfer, then fertilization takes place, or else, specialists will freeze the eggs for future usage.

How many days should I rest after egg retrieval?

Rest after egg retrieval is quite mandatory for some patients while others go to work the following day. But, the thing is one day after egg retrieval you should engage only in light activities.

Doing heavy exercises such as lifting objects, running, and other work may affect your egg retrieval. So, take some time for rest and better recovery. In addition, avoid having sexual intercourse for 2 weeks post the egg retrieval.

When do periods come after egg retrieval?

Women undergoing the egg retrieval phase in IVF treatment can expect to get periods after 14 days of retrieving. During this period, your ovaries will get back to normal size, so that you can resume normal activities.

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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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