Know What Is Embryo Blastocyst Culture and Transfer
Culture and transfer of embryo blastosis is a procedure for maturation and transfer of the embryo into the uterus. This procedure is one of the stages in the process of in vitro fertilization which is better known as IVF.
IVF is a procedure performed to help the pregnancy process in a partner who are difficult to have offspring due to interference with the reproductive system (infertility). In IVF procedures, mature eggs are taken from the ovaries, then undergo a process of fertilization by sperm outside the body.
IVF procedures are quite complex and consist of procedures for several stages. One of the stages in IVF procedures is culture and transfer of embryo blastosis. This stage is the final stage of the IVF process series. In the blastocyst culture stage, the embryo that has formed after fertilization will undergo a process of maturation until it reaches the blastocyst stage, which is the embryo development stage 5-6 days after conception.
The embryo that has reached the blastocyst stage has two different parts , namely the inner cells that will develop into the fetus, and the outer cells or trophoblasts which will later become the placenta. However, not all embryos can develop until they reach the blastocyst stage in the laboratory. This condition depends on the quality of sperm and egg cells.
After going through the process of blastocyst culture, a mature (multicellular) embryo will be re-inserted into the uterus to develop. This stage is known as the embryo blastocyst transfer stage.
Embryo Blastosis Culture and Transfer Indications
As part of IVF procedures, culture and transfer of embryo blastosis can be performed for female patients who have not had children for about 2 years, or have undergone treatment therapy to improve fertility but do not produce results. This procedure is better for women under 40 years of age. This infertility can be caused by several conditions as follows:
- The ovary canal (fallopian tube) is damaged or has a blockage.
- Endometriosis.
- The function of the ovaries (ovaries) decreases.
- Impaired ovulation or maturation of the egg.
- Miom.
- Never carry out sterilization actions.
- Impaired sperm shape, function, and production.
- Never or are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- No known cause
IVF procedure also done if the partner is at high risk of reducing genetic disease to the baby. Through laboratory analysis, some embryos will be tested and examined for genetic diseases they have.
Before Culture and Embryo Blastosis Transfer
Patients will undergo a medical history and the doctor will explain the procedure that will be carried out, as well as the risks that can be experienced by the patient. Next, the doctor will perform a vital check and physical examination. After going through the physical examination stage, every patient who is going to undergo IVF procedures will carry out several follow-up examinations, including:
- Hormone tests. This test is done by measuring levels follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen hormone, and anti-Müllerian (AMH) hormone in the blood to determine the quantity and quality of the egg.
- Examination of the uterine cavity. Examination can be done in 2 ways, namely sonohisterography and hysteroscopy. Sonohisterography is done by injecting special fluid into the uterus and with the help of an ultrasound machine will produce images of the condition of the uterine cavity. Meanwhile, hysteroscopy is done by inserting an endoscopic device through the vagina into the uterus.
- Analysis of semen. Couples or husbands will undergo an analysis process with sperm samples in the laboratory to determine sperm quantity and quality.
- Screening for sexually transmitted infections. Doctors will examine the possibility of a partner suffering from an infectious infection sexual, for example HIV.
- Attempt to transfer artificial embryos. The doctor will transfer an artificial embryo to determine the technique and depth of the uterine cavity that will be used to place the embryo in the uterus.
After the doctor confirms the patient's condition and the patient's egg, the doctor will begin the IVF procedure. Before entering the culture stage and transfer of embryo blastosis, the patient will go through several initial stages in the IVF procedure, namely:
- Stimulation stage or ovulation induction. At this stage, the doctor will provide several types of drugs to increase the number of eggs, such as ovarian stimulants to increase the number of eggs produced, and drugs to help the egg maturation process. Patients will also undergo transvaginal ultrasound to monitor egg cell development. Blood tests will also be carried out to examine the effect of the drug on increasing the number of eggs.
- Stage of egg collection or follicular aspiration. This stage is carried out through a small operating procedure. The doctor will insert an ultrasound device through the vagina to identify follicles. Next, a small needle is inserted through the vagina, then directed to the ovary and into the follicle. The egg in the follicle is taken through a needle connected with a suction device.
- Fertilization. Fertilization can be done in two ways, namely insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Insemination is done by uniting sperm from a partner and egg cells that have been taken in a special cup. If the insemination technique fails to produce an embryo, the doctor will use the ICSI technique. ICSI is done by injecting healthy sperm into the eggs that have been cooked directly.
Embryo Blastosis Culture and Transfer Procedure
After going through the stage stimulation, egg collection, and fertilization, the embryo will enter the blastocyst culture stage. At this stage, the eggs that have been through the process of fertilization will be stored in a special place in the laboratory. Doctors will monitor regularly to ensure that the egg can develop normally and form an embryo. The cells in the embryo are able to divide actively and after a few days, the embryo can be said to be mature and ready to be put back into the uterus.
If the doctor has confirmed that the embryo has matured, then the patient will undergo an embryo blastocyst transfer procedure. The steps are as follows:
- The patient will be laid on the examination table with the legs open and supported.
- The doctor will inject a sedative so the patient remains relaxed during the transfer procedure done.
- The doctor will insert a long, thin and elastic tube (catheter) through the vagina, then directed towards the cervix and into the uterus. The patient will feel uncomfortable when a catheter is inserted.
- The catheter is connected by an injection containing one or more embryos that have been given special fluids to remain protected.
- The doctor will slowly inject the embryo through the catheter in the womb.
- After completing the transfer of the embryo blastosis, the doctor will pull the catheter from the patient's vagina.
After Embryo Blastocyst Culture and Transfer
After undergoing embryo blastocyst transfer, the patient is advised to stay for a few minutes in the recovery room. After the doctor makes sure the patient's condition is stable, the doctor will usually allow the patient to go home without having to undergo hospitalization. The patient can return to normal activities, but the doctor will provide some instructions that the patient can do at home so that the embryo growth is maintained and prevents the risk of miscarriage. Among them are:
- Sleep enough and rest when feeling tired.
- Do light movements, such as walking, to increase blood flow into the uterus.
- Eat nutritious food.
- Take a pill or use an injection of the hormone progesterone for 8-10 weeks after transfer of embryonic blastosis. Progesterone is a hormone that is actually produced naturally by the ovaries to help thicken the lining of the uterus and facilitate the embryo to attach to the uterine wall.
- Consume folic acid supplements regularly to reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid excessive stress because it can indirectly affect embryonic development.
- Perform a doctor's check regularly to monitor embryonic development.
Embryo Blastosis Culture and Transfer Results
Approximately 12-24 days after the embryo transfer process, the doctor will test blood samples to check embryo development. Embryo transfer results are influenced by several factors, namely:
- Age.
- History of impaired reproductive organs.
- Embryonic condition.
- Causes of infertility.
- Lifestyle
There are two possible results of embryo transfer, including:
- Positive pregnancy. If the embryo attaches perfectly to the uterine wall and develops normally. The patient will routinely control the obstetrician for further examination.
- Negative pregnancy. If the embryo does not stick to the uterine wall and fails to develop. This condition can be known when the patient returns to the menstrual cycle. The doctor will instruct the patient to stop taking the hormone progesterone and encourage the patient to try the IVF procedure again.
Culture and Embryo Blastosis Transfer Risk
Culture and transfer of embryo blastosis is a safe procedure to do. The perceived side effects are generally mild and rare. Among them are:
- Abdominal cramps.
- Constipation.
- Leucorrhoea.
- Breast feels pain due to high estrogen levels
Although quite rare, culture procedures and transfer of embryo blastosis can also cause complications, in the form of:
- Pregnant twins. Occurs when the amount an embryo that is injected into the uterus is more than one. Twin pregnancies are at risk of causing premature birth or low birth weight.
- Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy cannot be continued because it can endanger the mother.
- OHSS ( ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ), ie swelling and pain in the ovary.
- Birth defects. The more patients age, the more risky they are. One of the risks is that the baby has a birth defect.
- Miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage will increase as the mother ages.
Immediately contact a doctor or visit the nearest hospital if you experience the following conditions:
- Fever.
- Pelvic pain.
- Severe bleeding from the vagina.
- Spots of blood in urine.