IVF and the Embryo Transfer Stage
We know that there can be many impediments to starting a family of your own. Thankfully there are many options available if you and/or your partner suffer from some form of infertility. When you visit our center for reproductive medicine, we will go over all procedures that will allow you to start the family of your dreams.
One of the most popular options for fertility treatment is in vitro fertilization (IVF). A number of misconceptions and misunderstandings exist with regard to IVF. We'd like to go over the basics of IVF right now, with a particular focus on the embryo transfer process.
About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which a woman's eggs are retrieved from her body, inseminated in lab setting, and placed into the womb following successful fertilization. By undergoing this process successful pregnancy is possible.
What is embryo transfer?
Embryo transfer refers to the placement of the fertilized egg (embryo) into the womb. It is the final part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.
How long after fertilization is embryo transfer performed?
The embryo is generally transferred a few days after insemination. Most fertility specialists will not do the transfer until cellular division has taken place. Usually fertility specialists wait until the eight-cell stage, which is about two to three days after the insemination of the egg.
Sometimes specialists will wait until the blastocyst stage to perform the transfer. In a number of cases, waiting until the blastocyst stage will help improve the chances of successful pregnancy, though is not always necessary so long as the eggs are healthy. Inevitable this call will be made by the fertility specialist during the consultation process.
What can I expect during embryo transfer?
During embryo transfer, a small cannula containing the embryos or blastocysts is inserted into the cervix and into the uterus. This process may involve guidance using ultrasound. After about two weeks, patients will take a pregnancy test to find out if the IVF process was successful.
What can I expect after the embryo transfer has been performed?
Immediately after an embryo transfer, patients will remain at the practice in order to rest and recover. Some monitoring may be performed during this time. The procedure itself is painless, though patients will usually notice some cramping for the first day or two. This cramping is typically quite mild.
Other Matters to Consider
There is more to reproductive medicine than just in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are also options that involve egg donors, sperm donors, and surrogate carriers, the last of which are important to consider if a woman suffers from medical conditions that would make it difficult for her to carry a baby to term. All of your options for assisted reproduction can be discussed in greater detail during your visit to our practice.
Learn More About Your Fertility Treatment Options
If you would like to learn more about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and your many other options out there for starting the family of your dreams, be sure to contact our Omaha fertility and reproductive medicine specialists today. The entire team here is eager to meet you in person and discuss these options in greater detail.