Embryo transfer is one of the most important procedures in fertility treatment, specifically in in-vitro fertilization, that is IVF. It may be by conventional IVF or ICSI-IVF. There is a fear that if the woman stands after embryo transfer, the embryo may get dropped and comes out of womb. It is a myth. Embryos are microscopic structures, that means they are of no weight, Second, immediately after embryo placement in the womb, there are sticky secretions in the inner surface of womb, called endometrium. This sticky material captures the embryo, process called apposition.
So when ever there is embryo transfer, we ensure that woman should not have any cramp like pain in her lower part of stomach, and if there is any pain, we halt the process of embryo transfer. For this reason, embryo transfer is done without any sedation or anesthesia. Thus it is painless procedure.
So for how much time the lady should be in lying down position after the transfer is over? It is said in literature, there is no change in result if lady sleeps for 5 minutes or 15 minutes. It is even showed that bed rest is detrimental to result. So we never ask for bed rest.
It is established that, intercourse in following day after embryo transfer is more beneficial in IVF-ICSI treatment. The chemical in human semen in female’s vagina makes the uterus quiescent.
IVF Methods
There are two methods in IVF-ICSI treatment now a days. One is with fresh embryo transfer and other is Frozen embryo transfer.
If the treatment is with fresh embryo transfer, that means, the ovarian stimulating drugs or fertility treatment injections are given in the same cycle or month.
The ovum pickup is done and after 5 days (in cases of Blastocyst transfer) embryo are put into the uterus, then in these cases the ovaries may be swollen little bit and may be painful in movement. Here we advise that, they should avoid any jerky movements. These may create a painful condition called ovarian torsion. But if ovaries are not swollen (Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome), then you don’t have to take any specific precaution.
In cases of Frozen embryo transfer, where embryo transfer is done after 2-3 months f egg collection, the ovaries are in their normal condition and there is no fear of any torsion. Here the condition are more natural and now a days a preferred method of fertility treatment and embryo transfer.
Precautions
It should be taken in notice that in cases of natural pregnancy, woman comes to know that she is pregnant, when she misses her forthcoming period or menses. Here natural embryo transfer is done 13-14 day before, and she is not going to know that she is going to get pregnant. Here she does her routine work without any special precaution or rest.
In the same way Fresh or Frozen Embryo Transfer to be taken in the same manner. There is no need to take any special precaution or bed rest. She can climb stairs, can use any sort of toilets. She can squat and carry her routine office work. Most import thing is to relax. This 14 days after embryo transfer is very crucial to the couple, they can only come to know about the result after this time and becomes really stressful especially for the woman, as she undergoes many injections and anesthesia during this treatment cycle. What is most important is: She needs empathy and mental support, which are very crucial at this juncture. Welcome to Ideal Fertility your partner to fertility journey.
