With the birth of the first baby through IVF treatment in 1978, IVF has become one of the most promising treatment methods for families unable to conceive. The high success rate achieved over the years with IVF treatment has also made it the most preferred assisted reproductive technique. Today, due to various factors such as environmental pollution, hormone-laden foods, or unbalanced diets, nearly millions of people face infertility every year. IVF treatment not only addresses infertility but also helps many couples who cannot conceive naturally to have children. Therefore, IVF is among the most researched and discussed topics. In the multi-step IVF process, aspects such as the injections used, egg retrieval, fertilization, and the embryo transfer procedure are the most curious topics.
IVF Transfer Procedure
The IVF transfer procedure is among the most curious topics for prospective parents who decide to undergo or are new to IVF treatment. Through research, scientists have significantly understood how the male and female reproductive systems function and how pregnancy occurs. The goal of IVF treatment is to provide the necessary conditions for pregnancy through support for the male and female reproductive systems. Therefore, IVF treatment consists of several steps. In general terms, medications are used to stimulate, develop, and trigger ovulation in the mother-to-be. The best-quality eggs are then collected and fertilized with sperm from the father-to-be in a laboratory, resulting in embryo formation. The embryo, which is monitored for development in the lab, is then transferred to the uterus of the mother-to-be. This process in IVF treatment is called the embryo transfer procedure.
How is the IVF Transfer Procedure Performed?
Each step of the IVF process is crucial, but the embryo transfer procedure, where the embryo is placed in the uterus, is one of the most critical stages. The transfer process in IVF is actually a simple and painless procedure. However, it directly impacts the success rate of IVF treatment. For this reason, the IVF clinic chosen for the treatment is extremely important. The expertise of a doctor and the advanced technology of an IVF clinic play a significant role in selecting the highest-quality embryos and successfully completing the transfer process.
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Since the transfer procedure in IVF is simple and painless, anesthesia is not administered to the mother-to-be. The mother-to-be is placed in a gynecological examination position, and a speculum is used to clearly view the entrance to the uterus. Before the transfer, the cervix is cleaned with a special solution to ensure hygiene. The embryo selected by embryologists is placed into the uterine cavity of the mother-to-be using a thin catheter, completing the procedure.
Pre-Transfer Considerations
The transfer procedure in IVF is one of the most exciting yet stressful stages for prospective parents. However, it is crucial for the mother-to-be to remain calm and relaxed before the transfer. If the mother-to-be feels stressed or fearful, she should discuss her concerns with her doctor to gain reassurance. Another important consideration before the transfer is ensuring that the mother-to-be has a full bladder before the procedure. This is necessary for optimal ultrasound imaging during the procedure.
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Post-Transfer Considerations
After the IVF transfer procedure, the embryo’s implantation process begins. A blood pregnancy test conducted 12 days after the transfer can confirm pregnancy. However, during this period, the mother-to-be should be cautious, considering the possibility of pregnancy. She should avoid heavy work, maintain a healthy diet, and ensure quality sleep. Many mothers-to-be believe that resting after the transfer increases the chances of embryo implantation. However, while no studies support this belief, light activities such as walking are thought to improve blood circulation and assist implantation.
As the Kalem Bebek team, we have aimed to provide detailed answers to the most curious and researched questions about the “IVF transfer procedure” in this article. Click here to visit our website for more detailed information on the IVF treatment process and the IVF transfer procedure.