What is embryo transfer and when is it done?
The embryo transfer is the moment where the woman's uterus is inseminated with the embryo load. It is an outpatient process whose average duration of intervention is a maximum of 15 minutes and is carried out in the cervix, with an ultrasound uterine vision. It is commonly used when assisted reproduction treatments are performed. Â
Carrying out the treatment does not require the use of anesthesia or any other medication in most cases, the couple is even allowed to be present throughout the process.
The procedure is done with an instrument called a catheter, which is a thin plastic tube. At the end of the procedure, the patient should take a 30-minute rest before returning to her daily routine.
This technique is performed when the ovum is fertilized in the laboratory with sperm, this being the last step of in vitro fertilization. Many times it is normal to perceive a small flow of blood at the end of the procedure, however, it is not a worrying fact, it is normal for this to occur after placing the embryos in the uterus.
What is embryo transfer about?
The procedure begins with an ultrasound to study the endometrium, the place where the catheter will pass, in order to deposit the embryos at the bottom of the cervix.
To perform the procedure, the patient will be asked to drink plenty of water, in order to fill the bladder, which will give better vision when the uterine ultrasound is placed, as well as allow the catheter to pass more easily.
In cases where the embryos have been frozen, they must be thawed at a temperature of 37ºC. Then the same procedure explained is continued. The reasons for freezing embryos are varied and depend on the age and medical conditions of the couple.
What preparation do I need before performing an embryo transfer?
The most important thing is to drink enough water, a full bladder greatly helps to obtain a better view of the uterus and allows the catheter to enter the cervix more easily, it is not necessary to go on an empty stomach and the clinic will take care of the embryonic preparations.Â
It is important to have a healthy lifestyle or to start having it before performing the embryo transfer, to stop smoking, avoid drinking alcohol, and the use of cheap or toxic nail polish, in addition it is important to reduce the consumption of some animals of the sea.
These are essential care so that your body is in the best state to achieve a positive pregnancy test
Remember that it takes the body a while to recover from the consequences of bad habits, the faster you start with a transformation of your life, your body will be able to recover and be prepared to achieve a successful pregnancy.
What should be the care after embryo transfer?
These are the recommendations that you should take into account once the procedure has finished:
Drinking water
The specialist will recommend you drink plenty of water. The benefits are avoiding cell dehydration and improving endometrial cell function.
Avoid immersion in water
Bathtubs, tubs, swimming pools and beaches are places that should be avoided in the first weeks after the transfer of the embryos, thereby minimizing the risks of infection.
Avoid strenuous activities
High intensity physical efforts should be avoided, you can drive or take walks and meditation exercises, but the physical load will not be possible until the specialist indicates otherwise.Â
Sexual relations
Avoid having sexual intercourse until pregnancy is confirmed, this usually occurs two weeks after treatment.Â
Medication
Once the embryo transfer is performed, the A specialist usually prescribes a series of medications, which must be followed until the pregnancy is confirmed. It is extremely important that the assigned cookbook be completed. These drugs will help the embryos in their uterine adaptation.
Avoid high temperatures
Take steam baths, tanning booths, or regular sun exposure. These activities that increase the internal temperature of the body, can affect the development of the embryo, especially if they are carried out between the first week after the embryo transfer is carried out.
It is a simple but extremely important procedure, which will begin the pregnancy of the future mother, who must know how to handle stress and strong emotions at this stage, it is very important to create the right environment for the embryos to implant in the uterus properly.
Embryo transfer is the end of a method of Assisted reproduction and the beginning of pregnancy, that is why it is necessary to take this stage with responsibility, in order to confirm the pregnancy and continue with the entire process to reduce anomalies, it is necessary to stop smoking and consume excess alcohol, everything you consume directly affects the fetus that is developing within you.
If you have doubts about this procedure or any other assisted reproduction procedure, we invite you to enter the Celagem web portal, they have all the information you need, before, during and after, in order to make a decision.
