IVF Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer

Embryo transfer in IVF is final stage this procedure. If successful, after the transfer, the blastocyst (4-5 day old embryo) is successfully implanted in the uterus and pregnancy occurs.

The date of the procedure is chosen by the treating reproductologist and embryologist. For transfer, the stage of development of the blastocyst must clearly correspond to the maturity of the endometrium. The readiness of the endometrium to accept the embryo is called the implantation window.

The number of embryos to be transferred is agreed with the patient. Usually this is one or two embryos. When transferring two, the success rate is higher, but the risk of multiple pregnancy increases.

How to prepare for IVF embryo transfer?

A woman does not need any special preparation for embryo transfer during IVF. If you are planning to transfer embryos in IVF, you will receive recommendations from your reproductologist.

They usually include:

• take a shower the day before the procedure;
• 1-2 hours before the transfer, drink 1-2 glasses of water (such preparation for embryo transfer during IVF is necessary so that the bladder is moderately full during the manipulation);
• come to the procedure without make-up and perfumes;
• on the day of embryo transfer, it is recommended to donate blood for estradiol and progesterone. After receiving the result, be sure to contact your doctor by phone to correct the treatment;
• come to the clinic in a state of emotional peace, in a positive mood.

How to prepare for IVF embryo transfer in order to maximize the chances of pregnancy, it is better to check with your doctor. In this case, you will receive individual recommendations.

At thematic forums, many women who have already undergone embryo transfer during IVF, give recommendations on this topic very willingly. However, you should not follow all the advice in a row, there is no evidence that certain foods, exercises, mantras or conspiracies increase the likelihood of pregnancy after IVF embryo transfer.

A special lifestyle, special diet or rituals are unlikely to affect the effectiveness of the procedure.

How is embryo transfer done in IVF?

Embryo transfer during IVF is performed without anesthesia. The IVF embryo transfer procedure is non-invasive – i.e. it does not involve prompt penetration into the body. The transfer is carried out in a certain period of time called the "implantation window".

A few words about how embryo transfer is carried out during IVF.

This procedure will be carried out by two doctors: an embryologist and a reproductologist. The reproduction specialist will perform the manipulation itself. Using a flexible catheter that looks like a syringe with a thin tube at the end, the doctor will inject fluid with the embryo through the vagina into the uterus. Only 5-10 minutes will last the embryo transfer during IVF.

The sensations of a woman may be somewhat unpleasant, but she will not feel pain.

Embryo transfer is carried out under ultrasound control. The embryo itself is not visible on ultrasound. You can see where the catheter is located and the vial with the liquid in which the embryo is located.

Since embryo transfer during IVF is quick and painless, you should not worry too much on the eve of this procedure.

It is better to focus on the good thoughts that your embryo transfer procedure may very well end in pregnancy and a successful birth.

What happens after IVF embryo transfer?

Immediately after the transfer, a woman is usually advised to lie down for 20-30 minutes, and only then leave the clinic. Basically, all patients are prescribed hormonal support for IVF after the transfer. It is very important to strictly follow the rules and schemes for the administration of drugs.

Any special behavior after IVF embryo transfer has little effect on the likelihood of success.

If you have recently had an embryo transfer, sedentary lifestyle is not recommended. Bed rest is also not required. Air travel is permitted in most cases.

Nutrition after embryo transfer during IVF is absolutely the same as on other days. It is only advisable to avoid bad habits(smoking, alcohol), stress and excessive physical exertion.

The issue of sexuality remains separate. After embryo transfer, it is necessary to exclude all sexual contacts until the pregnancy is diagnosed. Further, your attending physician decides according to the situation: if there is a threat of termination of pregnancy, it is impossible, if the uterus is calm and the fetal egg is firmly attached, it is possible.

Nothing bad happens after IVF embryo transfer if you have a high motor activity and go to work. Nutrition after embryo transfer during IVF does not affect the chances of pregnancy. As well as other factors: drinking regime, employment at work, sleep and rest, behavior.

After embryo transfer during IVF, all that is required of you is to tune in to a positive result and follow all the doctor's recommendations. Only hormonal support is important during IVF after replanting, so you must strictly follow all the appointments of a reproductologist.

Instruction

After the in vitro fertilization procedure, women begin to listen to their body, look for signs, confirmation in dreams and signs, and sometimes fall into severe depression without finding them. Some ladies control their every breath and movement, afraid to interfere with the birth of a baby. All this, oddly enough, only prevents the onset of pregnancy. For successful IVF, doctors give a number of recommendations.

After IVF, try to drink as much liquid as possible, at least two liters a day, eat protein foods (fish, meat, nuts, dairy products). Sour-milk products, herbs and dried fruits are also welcome in the diet. Avoid foods that can cause flatulence (grapes, fresh fruit, carbonated drinks). Do not get carried away with buns and potatoes, as they are difficult for digestion. Give up alcohol and do not abuse coffee, strong tea.

Ensure good blood supply to the uterus. Constant lying is not the most suitable way for this. Walk as often as possible fresh air, walking will help improve blood circulation, ensure blood flow in the pelvic region and uterus. While lying down, it is recommended to put pillows under your feet, this position contributes to the flow of blood to the pelvic organs and relaxation of the uterus.

Provide yourself with a calm state of mind and a positive attitude. Read interesting good books, listen to pleasant music, go to museums and theaters, watch your favorite films and TV shows. Be in nature more often, communicate with nice people. Believe in the best and enjoy life. It is also worth noting that few women manage to get pregnant on their first attempt after IVF. It is quite likely that you will have to go through this procedure again.

If it is not possible to conceive a child naturally for a year or more, then doctors make a disappointing diagnosis - infertility. To solve this problem, many couples turn to the in vitro fertilization procedure. For the protocol to be successful, a woman must know how to behave after the transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity, as well as what should be done and what will have to be abandoned.

Of course, the main recommendations are always given by reproductologists, as well as those specialists who perform the procedure and lead the woman from the first to the final stage. But with all this, it is always useful to read more about how to behave during IVF: the advice of doctors and reviews of women who have gone through such fertilization will definitely help.

Preparation

Initially, specialists perform hyperstimulation of the ovaries, after which mature germ cells are taken, with the help of which IVF will be performed. Next, the girl will have several days to prepare for the very replanting of fertilized eggs into the uterine cavity. On average, 5 days are given for preparation, and during this time the oocytes already have time to mature to the required stage.

In the process of preparation, you must follow all medical recommendations. Immediately on the day before IVF, you should refrain from having sex, as well as spend time in a state of rest.

Let us consider in more detail the day of embryo transfer itself, how a girl should behave. Before visiting the reproductive center, you need to take a warm shower, you should not use any hygiene products. Strong scents and chemical substances can become a hindrance. Also, on the day of embryo transfer, it is not recommended to use decorative cosmetics.

Also, the girl must go to the toilet for emptying. Bladder about two hours before landing. Before this, it is recommended to drink as much liquid as possible, but preferably water.

Also, many are interested in the first day of embryo transfer, how to behave in terms of nutrition. The last meal should be approximately three hours before the expected time of the procedure. It is better to eat light food that is quickly absorbed. So you can save yourself from problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

After the transfer

Every girl should understand that after the transfer of embryos, she cannot be considered immediately pregnant. To achieve the desired goal, it is necessary that the cells attach to the uterine walls. A leading specialist will talk about how to save IVF pregnancy.

Depending on how long the taken cells were fertilized (5 or 3 days), the blood results for hCG will be taken at different times. Based on them, it will be possible to navigate whether the protocol was successful, or whether it needs to be repeated.

Every woman should understand how to behave after embryo transfer so that they take root in the uterine cavity. Lifestyle after embryo transfer will be slightly different from the usual rhythm. Therefore, it is worth considering this issue in more detail.

Behavior

In most cases, a reproductive specialist tells about how to behave after embryo transfer.

One of the most asked questions is: “How long should I lie down after embryo transfer?” The answer will be this. Not at all. Usually, after the transfer, the woman stays in the clinic for some time. It depends on the internal regulations of the institution. If desired, you can ask the doctor to issue a sick leave or a certificate releasing from work on the day of the transfer.

The main task is to maintain a positive attitude. And here all means are good. Someone prefers to lie down, covered with a warm blanket. Some people need family and friends. And for some, it’s even easier to unwind and spend the whole day on the move. Moreover, the movement is preferable, as it helps to avoid stagnation of blood in the small pelvis.

You don't have to worry about the egg. Since the transfer, it has been in a safe place. Endometrial villi, as well as villi fallopian tubes are in motion. They capture the egg and move through the uterine cavity. This movement prevents the fertilized egg from falling out and helps to find the most suitable place for implantation.

On the video you can see how the microbubble with the embryo moves (microdrop whis embryos).

Despite the fact that the embryo moves throughout the uterine cavity, it is securely held by the villi of the endometrium and is completely protected from falling out. Even while going to the toilet.

Preparations

Any drugs in the period after the transfer must be prescribed by a doctor. As a rule, these are derivatives of progesterone. They are prescribed to create optimal conditions for the onset of pregnancy.

constipation

Life after IVF and before the procedure is divided into two halves. This is partly due to the emotional state of a woman who could not get pregnant for a long time, and suddenly came as close as possible to the implementation of her plan. It is very important to know after IVF replanting how to behave with constipation.

Food

In case of eating the wrong food, there may be problems with defecation. Standard recommendations will help to solve the problem healthy eating. Enough protein, fiber and fluids. An abundance of vegetables. Reasonable restriction of sweets, fried, smoked, refined and processed foods.

In any case, improving the diet will benefit both the woman herself and the unborn child.

intimacy

Many girls are interested in how to behave after IVF in terms of sexual life. There are no specific recommendations in this regard. If there is sex in life that brings pleasure and strengthens the relationship of partners, it will be beneficial.

Surveys

After IVF embryo replanting was performed, how to behave in the first days and hours is relatively clear. It is worth paying a little attention to the necessary medical examinations.

During the first three weeks, the girl will be subjected to the necessary diagnostic procedures. To make sure the process is moving in the right direction.

After about two weeks, they will definitely appoint a blood test to determine the level of hCG. When 21 days have passed since the transfer, IVF will be monitored by ultrasound.

Sleep Rules

Not surprisingly, most women are looking for an answer to the question of how to behave after embryo transfer during IVF. This is really important, but the main thing is not to focus your psychological attention on the same thing.

This approach will lead to the fact that the girl will begin to think that she is doing some actions incorrectly. That is why doctors often recommend reading reviews of other couples about how to behave after embryo transfer. We will give general recommendations.

Almost everyone is interested in how to sleep after embryo transfer. You can choose any position, the main thing is that expectant mother it was comfortable and convenient. Some people think that it is unacceptable to lie on the stomach, but this does not have any scientific evidence and therefore considered prejudice.

Often behavior after embryo transfer comes down to a frequent desire to sleep. That is why, if possible, it is necessary to allocate less time for this in the evening, so that later you can take a nap during the day.

Actually, whether it is necessary to lie down after embryo transfer, whether it is possible to sleep on the stomach, and also that after embryo transfer how long it is necessary to lie is already clear. You can move on to other issues of no less interest to girls.

The process of implantation of a fertilized egg during in vitro fertilization is little covered in the literature and is not well understood.

It is known that the whole IVF process depends on the timeliness of the transportation of the embryo.

Embryo transport begins with egg retrieval. The egg retrieval process takes place under anesthesia. After that, fertilization with seminal fluid occurs, and further embryo replanting during IVF.

Factors affecting successful replanting

This process includes two important conditions:

• The combination and interaction of the tissue structure of the uterus and the embryo;
• Compliance with the time and conditions of embryo replanting.

Doctors consider embryo transfer with the coincidence of this period with the formation of an implantation window.

The implantation window is a period during which favorable conditions are created in the uterus for interaction with the embryo.

It has been studied that favorable conditions for the internal tissue are created on the twentieth day of the cycle. The period may be delayed for some time due to the intensity of the use of hormonal drugs.

Features of implantation in IVF protocols

In in vitro fertilization programs, the fusion of eggs and sperm is placed in an artificial environment equipped with nutrients.

After being in these environments for a certain time, they are transferred to the natural environment of the uterus. When the embryo is implanted in the environment of the uterine mucosa, the embryo will need time to recover.

The coincidence of terms is a very important and decisive stage, in case of a delay or delay in terms, an ineffective completion of the IVF cycle occurs.

It is possible to postpone the process of introducing the embryo into the uterus for about three days. Implantation for more later dates does not affect the quality of pregnancy.

Timing of implantation

Embryo transfer takes place after the hatching procedure.

Hatching is the process of piercing the shell of the embryo in order to reduce the density of the outer protective shell.

Reasons for the absence or failure of implantation:

1. Stopping the embryo in development due to genetic indicators;
2. Availability inflammatory processes in the endometrium of the uterine cavity (polyps, scars, etc.);
3. The appearance of the thick shell of the embryo. This symptom is present in aged patients and is associated with the process of egg aging;
4. The presence of unfavorable conditions for embryo transfer - replanting the embryo after freezing, bad habits.

Medical support

For effective implantation, progesterone support with drugs is carried out.

The use of such a complex of drugs begins from the first day of the introduction of the embryo into the uterine cavity.

Preparations of the progesterone group prepare the internal tissue of the uterus for a successful transfer of the germ.

Also, to obtain a positive result of the transfer of a fertilized egg, drugs that help thin the blood, such as heparin, aspirin, etc., are used.

They help to increase blood circulation, as a result of which satisfactory factors are formed for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Embryo implantation symptoms after replanting

When performing implantation, a woman experiences a number of unpleasant sensations:

• Migraines, dizziness;
• Taste of metal in the mouth;
• drowsiness, fatigue;
• Increase in body temperature.

Sometimes these signs have a psychological justification. A woman, in anticipation of the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy, does not let go of the thought of this, therefore, her health worsens.

Sometimes this condition can be a reaction to the use of progesterone medicines. And sometimes a clear sign of an embryo transfer is bleeding, but this happens in rare cases.

Embryo fixation

Fertilized eggs are fixed in the uterine cavity, as its structure consists of many villi.

At the moment the embryo enters the uterus, the villi envelop it, as it were, thereby sticking to the wall. This process occurs after hatching.

Conditions for positive embryo transfer:

• Quantity and qualitative composition of eggs;
• Age categories of women;
• Frequency of previous IVF procedures;
• Individual characteristics of health.

What happens after the transfer

Embryo transfer is a rather complicated process, but the situation after that becomes alarming. A woman in anticipation of good news must follow all the recommendations to achieve pregnancy.

The onset of pregnancy and subsequent stages are similar to natural stages. After the introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterine cavity, a process of further growth and development takes place.

The introduction of the embryo into the uterine mucosa occurs on the seventh day after the fertilization procedure and lasts approximately three days. Embryo implantation is the process of immersion in the uterus.

There are 2 phases of implantation:

• Adhesion (attachment procedure);
• Invasion (penetration).

After these phases, the laying of the skeletal chord, neural and intestinal tubes occurs.

How to behave after embryo transfer?

After the procedure for transferring the embryo into the uterine cavity, the woman should be in a calm state.

After the transfer, the following rules must be observed:

• The first day you need to refrain from taking baths, showers, visiting the pool;
• Do not have sexual intercourse before pregnancy testing;
• Do not insert tampons into the vagina;
• Try to avoid physical activity and heavy lifting;
• After the procedure, do not perform work for 24 hours, try to adhere to bed rest;
• Avoid stress and negative emotions;
• Engage in pleasurable leisure activities (knitting, reading, etc.) before receiving pregnancy test results;
• Avoid colds and infectious diseases;
• It is forbidden to drive a car;
• Food from fresh fruit and vegetables.

A woman who has undergone this procedure should follow a balanced, nutritious diet, regularly take walks in the fresh air.

Bad habits must be forgotten for a long time. A woman should get enough sleep while sleeping position should be chosen in a comfortable position.

After implantation, some women experience bloody issues but you shouldn't be afraid of it. Basically, this process is associated with the use of hormonal drugs, in other words, there is a glut of hormones.

In some cases, women experience pain in inguinal region belly. Such symptoms appear in 25 percent of women who have undergone embryo implantation.

After the implantation procedure, it is necessary to listen to your body with special care and, at the slightest discomfort, in order to avoid complications, rush to consult a doctor.

Hormonal support after embryo transfer

The consequences after the procedure for each woman are different. Some are advised to provide hormonal support with the use of estradiol and progesterone. A harmonious balance of hormones ensures the normal development of embryos.

Embryos in the uterus produce human chorionic gonadotropin (CG). The amount of this hormone increases in quantitative terms, signaling the normal formation and growth of the fetus.

Therefore, the examination for the content of hormones is carried out on the day of implantation and a week after the procedure.

Pregnancy after embryo transfer

Pregnancy testing is done two weeks after the embryo transfer procedure. The test does not complete information Therefore, an ultrasound examination is recommended.

During these two weeks, the woman should be in a calm, balanced environment. Family members must understand the complexity of the situation and provide support in all matters.

If tension reaches its maximum value, you can use the following herbal sedative recipes:

• Pour boiling water over dry motherwort herb and take a weak solution as a tea drink;
• Mix herbs: lemon balm, mint, chamomile. Brew the mixture with boiling water in a thermos and let it brew. Consume as tea;
• Allowed to take pills homeopathic remedy– glycine;
• The use of aromatics has a calming effect. essential oils(lavender oil).

Video: Embryo Transfer

Conclusion
After implantation, a woman should follow all of the above recommendations and treat her health condition with care. At the slightest discomfort, you should immediately contact a reproductive specialist.

"I am pregnant!" - such a phrase thanks to IVF was able to say more than six million women suffering from infertility. The success of this operation depends both on the skill of the physicians and on how the patient will behave, who underwent embryo transfer during IVF. Recommendations on what can and cannot be done after embryo transfer can be found in this article.

Today, in vitro fertilization is on hearing. Indications for IVF are the absence of fallopian tubes or their obstruction and any kind of infertility. In short, everything happens like this: the mother's egg is taken from the uterus and fertilized with the husband's (or donor's) sperm "in vitro". Embryos are grown for several days in an incubator, after which they are placed in the uterus using a special catheter with a syringe. This final step is called embryo transfer.

Freeze or Use Fresh: Are There Benefits to Cryopreservation?

Not every embryo transfer ends in pregnancy: a positive result can be achieved in 30-65% of cases. If the attempt was unsuccessful, then the woman has to go through the unpleasant and traumatic procedure of ovarian stimulation again, take hormones, and puncture the follicles.

At the same time, IVF usually leaves unused embryos that were not used for replanting. They are preserved (frozen in liquid nitrogen), which allows them to be used in subsequent procedures.

Scientific studies have shown that when transferring "fresh" and thawed fertilized eggs, the probability of becoming pregnant is almost the same. But cryopreservation has undeniable advantages. So, you do not need to stimulate superovulation again and re-puncture the follicles during IVF. Many patients are afraid of her. Although the doctor provides local or general anesthesia and the process takes no more than 10-15 minutes, it is preceded by superovulation, which requires a course of hormone therapy to start. Finally, "cryo" reduces the cost of the IVF procedure.

Read also:

• What feelings does a woman experience after embryo replanting in a successful IVF protocol?

But what are the results of embryo transfer after cryopreservation? Reviews show that the transplantation of frozen cells gives a lower percentage of pregnancies than when using fresh biomaterial for IVF. The risk of multiple conception is also reduced.

How to behave after the transfer?

The doctor will definitely instruct the woman what rules of behavior she should follow after completing all the manipulations. Some advise completely eliminating physical activity, others - lie down for 3 hours, and then take a little walk. One way or another, a woman must take care of herself so that the fetus attaches, and in the right place. If he "hooks" low, then there may be problems with bearing.

• an hour or two after the procedure, the patient should lie in the same position, without making any movements. She should relax all the muscles as much as possible;
• in the first 10 days after implantation of the embryo, bed rest is recommended. You can get out of bed (for example, to take a progesterone test), but you are not allowed to do housework.
• any physical exercise. If a woman is professionally involved in sports, she will have to give up training, even lightweight;
• in no case should you lift weights (in this case, we are talking about weight more than 2 kg). This can lead to displacement of the embryo;
• intimate relationships will have to be postponed for 2 weeks - 3 months. The exact period of abstinence from sexual relations will be reported by the doctor, but it should be borne in mind that up to 12 weeks there is a risk of miscarriage;
• every day it is necessary to measure the basal temperature (in the supine position) at the same hour and record its readings. For 3 days, it should not fall below 37˚;
• nutrition must be properly organized. The body needs an increased amount of protein, so you need to eat meat, fish - boiled or steamed. The menu should include vegetables, cereals, dairy products. No sweets, hot spices and fatty foods;
• limit computer work;
• categorically it is impossible to be nervous: stresses can seriously harm business. To calm down, you can and should take a tincture of valerian or motherwort (but not tranquilizers!);
• if menstruation begins after implantation, then it is allowed to use only pads, not tampons;
• smoking and drinking alcohol are not allowed.

To increase the likelihood of a favorable attachment of the embryo and eliminate the risk of miscarriage, the woman will be prescribed medical support. Most often, after IVF surgery, patients are prescribed the following drugs:

• Duphaston. It is an artificial analogue of progesterone. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration. Does not harm the pregnant woman and the fetus. The daily dosage is from 30 to 60 mg; take the medicine every day at the same time;
• Utrozhestan. It contains natural progesterone (from vegetable raw materials). In IVF protocols, it is used in the form of capsules, which should be placed very deep into the vagina. Standard dosage - 1 capsule 200 mg three times a day;
• an oily solution of progesterone for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Before the injection, the ampoule must be held in the hands so that the remedy warms up;
• for pain, a feeling of fullness, heaviness, tension in the abdomen - rectal suppositories with Papaverine from 3 to 4 r. per day.