What Is Embryo Transfer and Its Procedure?

The transfer for embryo is required for the couple, when they are unable to conceive the pregnancy even after having regular sexual intercourse for a complete year. This is known as infertility. Hence, they are advised to go for embryo transfer treatment.

Understanding Embryo Transfer

When an infertile couple decides to do the treatment of In Vitro Fertilization, the egg is taken out from the body of the female and is combined with the sperm of a husband or a donor sperm, in a vitro which means a glass for the fertilization process. When the fertilization process is completed, the embryo gets matured for usually 2 to 3 days. After that point, the doctor transfers the embryos in to the female uterus for implantation. Thus, this process of transferring the embryos, back inside the female uterus is known as embryo transfer.

Usually, only the well-developed embryo is transferred in to the uterus. The matured, well-developed embryo get divide in to a specific number of cells in a certain period of time. Extensive care and consideration is needed for transferring the embryos. It should be handled properly by the doctor, or else the risk for failure increases.  The treatment ends when the transfer of the embryo is completed.

How many numbers of the embryo should be transferred depending on the condition of a woman, who wants to conceive. Mostly single embryo is transferred if the woman is healthier and multiple embryos are transferred if the woman is of old age.

What is Single Embryo Transfer?-

Single embryo transfer is also known as SET. It is widely used for reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies. In very rare cases, woman with single embryo can also conceive twin and give birth to twins. Couple who are under the age of 35 years are considered to be the best candidate for the single embryo transfer. Also, if the couple who are planning for their first Assisted Reproductive Technology, like; IVF and IUI procedures are considered to be the good candidates for single embryo transfer.

In single embryo transfer, one can receive many benefits as there are no side effects in this procedure. The entire process is safe and secure. It lowers down the birth defect and is successful in conceiving.

Understanding Multiple Embryo Transfers-

Many couple decides to plan for multiple embryo transfer, if they are not able to conceive pregnancy. This procedure is beneficial for those couples, who are of more than 35 years of age. In this process, there is the risk of multiple pregnancies. The woman may give birth to triplets or more, and this is not safe for both mother and babies. They have to face many health conditions like premature birth and chance of failure or birth defects. In some cases, because of the multiple embryos, the development or progress of the baby is not properly. Woman of old age are not capable of producing healthy egg, hence they are recommended for multiple embryo transfer by the doctors. The couple, who want to have triplets or more babies, mostly decide to go for multiple embryo transfer. If compared to single embryo transfer, this procedure is riskier.

When the doctor transfers the embryo in to the uterus of the female, then the procedure is said to be completed. But for the patient the process is just the start for her pregnancy. After 4 to 5 days of the transfer of embryos, the embryos need to implant themselves successfully in the edge of the uterus. This is the time when they start to divide themselves and continue for the further development from embryo to the fetus. After fourteen days of embryo transfer, the patient is schedule for the pregnancy test in order to confirm the pregnancy.  

Facts about Embryo Transfer-

The embryo transfer is not as painful as everyone thinks for it. The patient may feel slight discomfort when the specialist will insert the catheter inside the vagina to transfer the embryo or at the time of removing the eggs. In some cases, doctors may use anaesthesia or in few cases, they may only use a light soothing agent.

As per the research, the success rate for multiple embryo transfer is higher than the success rate of single embryo transfer. The embryo transfer cost varies from place to place depending on the numerous factors. The embryo transfer cost is usually expensive, but still profitable. Due to the huge differences in the cost, the couple prefer travelling to other places where they find it affordable.

If you are considering to plan a pregnancy through embryo transfer procedure, you need to consult the infertility specialist and be ready for the procedure; mentally, physically and financially.

Read more: Single or Multiple Embryo Transfer