The question is often asked: "Where is the embryo implanted in IVF”?Embryo transfer is the third and final step of in vitro fertilization. Fertility medications are used to stimulate a woman's ovaries into releasing eggs, which are then removed from her body. These healthy eggs are then fertilized by sperm or donor embryos inside laboratories
The fertilized eggs multiply and then are transferred to the woman's uterus. For a pregnancy to begin, the embryo must attach itself to her womb or uterine wall.
When is embryo transfer done in IVF?
It is worth understanding when is embryo transfer done in IVF? In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. To begin, you and your partner may want to consider less invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including drugs to increase egg production or intrauterine insemination, a procedure in which sperm are placed directly into the uterus near the time of ovulation.
In some cases, IVF can be used as a primary treatment for infertility in women over age 40. It may also be an option if you have certain health conditions; for instance:
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage. This makes it difficult for the egg to be fertilized or for the embryo to move to the uterus.
- Ovulation disorders. If ovulation is infrequent or absent, the number of eggs that can be fertilized decreases.
- Endometriosis. When tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, this condition is called endometriosis-which can affect a woman's ability to have children.
- Uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that form in the uterus. They are more common among women in their 30s and 40s, but can occur at any age. Fibroids can interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg.
- Previous tubal sterilization or removal. Tubal ligation is a type of sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked off to permanently prevent pregnancy. If you wish to conceive after having your tubes tied, IVF may be an alternative way for you and your partner(s) to have a baby.
- Impaired sperm production or function. A low sperm count or the inability of sperm to swim normally or properly shape themselves can make it difficult for them to fertilize an egg. If semen abnormalities are discovered, a man may visit an infertility specialist to determine whether there are correctable problems-or any underlying health concerns.
- Unexplained infertility. Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when a couple has been evaluated for common causes of infertility and no cause can be found.
- A genetic disorder.If you or your partner are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, preimplantation genetic testing can help determine whether IVF is the right option for conception. Eggs are screened for certain disorders before they're fertilized, but not all genetic problems can be detected by this method. Embryos that don't contain identified disorders may be transferred to the uterus for implantation in a patient's body.
- Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions.If you are about to begin cancer treatment that may affect your ability to have children, IVF for fertility preservation may be an option. Women can have their unfertilized eggs harvested from ovaries, frozen for later use; or fertilize and freeze the eggs-embryos as a precaution in case of future infertility.
- Women who do not have a functional uterus or for whom pregnancy poses a serious health risk might choose to use another person, called a gestational carrier—a woman whose own eggs are used to create an embryo that she then carries in her womb. In this case, the woman's eggs are fertilized with her partner's sperm. Then, the resulting embryos are placed in another person’s uterus to grow and develop.
How long does IVF transfer take?
The average time from in vitro fertilization of the egg to embryo transfer is 5 weeks, during which one can know whether or not pregnancy has occurred. The embryo transfer takes place in a clinic or at your doctor's office and is usually done two to five days after egg retrieval. You might be given a mild sedative, but the procedure itself shouldn't hurt—unless you're very sensitive to pain.
The doctor will insert a long, thin tube called a catheter into your vagina. A syringe containing one or more embryos suspended in fluid is attached to the end of the catheter and inserted through your cervix and into your uterus. After you have been given anesthesia, the doctor inserts the embryos into your uterus using a syringe. If successful, an embryo will implant in the lining of your uterus about six to 10 days after egg retrieval.
How does IVF transfer work?
About 12 days to two weeks after egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to determine whether you are pregnant. If the test shows that you are indeed pregnant, he or she will refer you for prenatal care with an obstetrician or other specialist.
If you're not pregnant, your period will likely begin within a week. If it doesn't or if you have unusual bleeding, contact your doctor.
If you and your partner are thinking about trying in vitro fertilization again, your doctor might suggest methods for improving the chances of pregnancy. We hope we were able to help deal with the question "when is embryo transfer done in IVF?"
