Do you feel like giving up after trying every possible way to conceive a baby? Then, IVF embryo transfer procedure must interest you.
Doctors don't usually immediately recommend this fertility method to their patients and let them try other methods instead. Usually, in vitro fertilization or IVF is undertaken as the final resort for couples to conceive a baby after other fertility methods fail. Patients who will undergo IVF process must learn that it entails being subjected to several procedures and IVF embryo transfer is one of them.
If you're considering undergoing IVF embryo transfer, here are some things you should know about the process.
Before IVF Embryo Transfer
Before the actual procedure takes place, the endometrium is prepared so as to increase the chances of successful implantation of the embryo. Preparing the endometrium means taking prescribed medications from your fertility doctor usually in the form of pill, suppositories and injections. The IVF process basically commence by taking progesterone all the way to embryo transfer until pregnancy is confirmed.
Will it be fresh or frozen embryo?
This depends on your circumstances. Either of the two can be used for your IVF embryo transfer. Frozen embryos are previously harvested fresh eggs from your last menstrual cycle, allowed to develop to a certain stage and subjected to cryogenic process. Prior to the scheduled embryo transfer, frozen embryos are thawed.
How is it done?
The IVF embryo transfer will be done with the aid of an ultrasound to help the doctor figure out the right location to place the embryos. Speculum will be inserted into the vagina to widen the passageway going to the uterus. The doctor will first clean the uterus and a catheter will be inserted on the lower part of the uterus. A second catheter (which is smaller than the first one) will enter to transfer the embryos to the uterus. After a couple of hours of rest, you will be permitted to go home.
How long is the Recovery Period?
Upon discharge, you will be required to rest for 24 hours. After 2 days from your IVF embryo transfer, you will be allowed to do some light activity. Full activity can be resumed after 4 days from the transfer. You should understand, though, that there is nothing you can do to guarantee a successful implantation. The 2-week waiting period is very crucial that is why you must minimize stress during this period.
Important Considerations
The number of embryos to be transferred is a widely disputed topic among doctors and patients. This is because transferring multiple embryos may result in increasing the chances of pregnancy but also raises the risk of having a multiple pregnancy which may endanger both mother and child. However, doctors may only recommend transferring several embryos to patients whose chances of conceiving are extremely low.
IVF embryo transfer is on the last part of in vitro fertilization process. This will be the climax of the whole process and largely affects whether pregnancy will occur or not. Medications are usually taken at the start of the procedure to prepare the body to increase the chances of pregnancy.