For a natural pregnancy to happen, a sperm needs to travel through the uterus and fertilize an egg in one of the fallopian tubes. The resulting embryo must be healthy enough to implant in the uterus and lead to pregnancy. While this sounds simple, many factors can prevent successful fertilization, such as low sperm count, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine issues, or poor egg or sperm quality. When natural fertilization isn’t possible, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) can help achieve pregnancy.
In IVF, eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to create embryos. Usually, multiple eggs are fertilized to increase the chances of forming healthy embryos. These embryos are monitored for 5-6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage, which is the best time for transfer. Only one embryo is transferred into the uterus, while the rest are frozen for future use. The transfer is guided by ultrasound to ensure the embryo is placed correctly, improving the chances of implantation and pregnancy.
Types of Embryo Transfers
There are different types of embryo transfer, and the best IVF specialist in Mumbai will select the most suitable option for each patient:
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): This is the most common method. Frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus. It allows for genetic testing, reducing the risk of genetic defects or miscarriage.
Fresh Embryo Transfer: In this method, embryos are transferred into the uterus 5-6 days after fertilization, without being frozen.
Day 3 Embryo Transfer: Some embryos may not survive until day 5, so they are transferred on the third day to increase the chances of implantation.
Day 5 Embryo Transfer: This is the most preferred method, as the embryo has developed into a blastocyst by this stage.
When is Embryo Transfer Done in IVF?
Embryo transfer usually happens on day 3 or day 5 of the IVF cycle. Day 5 is the most common and ideal time for transfer, as the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage.
Benefits and Risks of Embryo Transfer
Benefits:
Helps couples achieve pregnancy when natural conception isn’t possible.
Reduces the risk of genetic diseases through pre-implantation testing.
Frozen embryos allow for future pregnancies without repeating the entire IVF process.
Lowers the risk of miscarriage by ensuring only healthy embryos are transferred.
Risks:
Hormonal stimulation during IVF can increase the risk of blood clots.
There’s a chance of embryo loss during transfer or failed implantation.
Twin pregnancies are more common with IVF, which can be higher risk.
Step-by-Step IVF and Embryo Transfer Process
The embryo transfer process is quick and painless, similar to a pap smear. Here’s how it works:
A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and an ultrasound is used to guide the process.
A catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus.
The embryo is transferred through the catheter into the uterus.
After the transfer, the patient rests for about an hour.
The entire process, including rest time, takes 2-4 hours, with the actual transfer lasting 15-30 minutes.
How Many Embryos Are Transferred?
The number of embryos transferred depends on the woman’s age:
Under 30: Usually 1 embryo.
30-35: Up to 2 embryos.
Over 35: More than 2 embryos may be transferred.
Precautions After Embryo Transfer
After the transfer, patients should:
Rest and avoid stress.
Avoid strenuous activities like running or heavy exercise.
Eat a balanced diet and avoid processed foods.
Take prescribed supplements.
Avoid sexual intercourse until pregnancy results are confirmed.
Conclusion
IVF and embryo transfer offer hope to couples facing fertility challenges. Every patient’s journey is unique, and with advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART), many couples can now experience the joy of parenthood. If you’re considering IVF, consult a specialist to understand the best options for your situation.
