Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer refers to a step in the process of assisted reproduction in which embryos are placed into the uterus of a female with the intent to establish a pregnancy. This technique (which is often used in connection with in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Embryos can be either “fresh” from fertilized egg cells of the same menstrual cycle, or “frozen”, that is they have been generated in a preceding cycle and undergone embryo cryopreservation, and are thawed just prior to the transfer. The outcome from using cryopreserved embryos has uniformly been positive with no increase in birth defects or development abnormalities.
For fresh transfers at our center, you will receive update regarding oocyte fertilization status from the clinicians. Enbryo transfers are usually done on 4th day of Ovum pick up or 5th day for blastocyst transfers. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia however in very few cases general anesthesia may be required. Before transplant, videoscreening of embryos is done and doctors inform about the quality of embryos. Patient gets discharged after after a brief recovery period. A pregnancy test will be done 15 days after the transfer, regardless of the occurrence of any uterine bleeding.
Blastocyst Transfer
An embryo which has developed to the point of having 2 different cell components and a fluid cavity is reffered to as Blastocyst. Human embryos from in vitro fertilization in culture in an IVF lab, or developing naturally in the body, usually reach blastocyst stage by day 5 after fertilization. Blastocyst transfer with IVF can give high pregnancy success rates with very low risk of triplets. There are 3 distinct parts to a blastocyst - the two cell types and the fluid cavity. As development of blastocysts progresses, cells in the 2 components divide and the fluid cavity enlarges. With continued blastocyst development the embryo expands, the shell thins, and it hatches from its shell and implantation into uterus is then easier.
Our IVF center practices Blastocyst transfer as there are two advantages:
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Easier implantation as explained above
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So Blastocyst transfer is indicated in repeated implantation failures.
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As embryos are progressing to Blastocyst stage it rules out major chromosomal defects in an embryo.
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Prevalence of first trimester miscarriage which is mostly due to chromosomal abnormalities is less in blastocyst transfer.
Ovulation Cycle Tracking
- Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, moves down the fallopian tube, and is available in the fallopian tube to be fertilised.
- Day one is the first day of the menstrual period
- Ovulation happens about two weeks before the next expected period. So if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14, and the most fertile days are days 12, 13, 14 and 15. This will vary as per the cycle length of the patient.
- In order to try for a natural conception, a doctor will advise to have intercourse on the most fertile days.
- In case of monitored cycle, ovulation is tracked through regular sonography wherein in addition to follicle growth, thickness of endometrium and condition of uterus is also monitored.
Ovulation induction involves the use of medication to stimulate development of one or more mature follicles (where eggs develop) in the ovaries of women who have anovulation and infertility. These women do not regularly develop mature follicles without help from ovulation enhancing drugs.
There are four basic types of medication that are used to induce ovulation. Treatment with these drugs has the potential to result in pregnancy if the woman has good quality eggs remaining in her ovaries, and if other causes of infertility are not present.
- Clomiphene Citrate
An oral medication used to induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate on their own by encouraging the body to produce more follicle stimulate hormone (FSH). Most commonly used if a woman has irregular or long menstrual cycles.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) / Gonadotrpin releasing hormone (Lupron) Injection Instructions:
- Hormone injections of FSH can be used to stimulate the number of follicles that develop in the ovary and therefore the number of eggs that are ovulated during a cycle. Another hormone Human chorionoc gonadotropin (hCG) may be used in injection form to trigger ovulation once the follicles have developed.
There are few side effects associated with ovulation induction, but they include:
- Risk for multiple births
- Hot flashes
- Hyper-stimulation
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Headache
- Uterine bleeding
Severity of the same may vary from patient to patient.
- At our center each patients gets a personalized ovulation stimulation treatment plan basis their initial examination, report findings of husband and wife. Couple is explained about the same and an informed consent before treatment initiation is done.
- Once treatment starts, ultrasound is performed at regular intervals and drug dosages are adjusted accordingly. A monitoring card is issued to every patient and all findings are recorded on the same day for easy reference. Patient is required empty bladder before follicle monitoring study is carried out.
- Hospital offers a follicle monitoring package to facilitate patients.
- Each person may respond differently to the same treatment.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis, also known as a sperm count test, Semen is the fluid containing sperm (plus other sugar and protein substances) that's released during ejaculation.
