Single embryo transfer is a type of fertility special treatment that has one of the highest success rates in terms of overall conception levels. This method of assisting a couple to conceive has a number of different benefits, including the fact that it does not predispose the couple to having twins or multiple births. Still, in order to know about how to best follow up after you've had a single embryo transfer procedure, it's necessary to understand exactly what the procedure itself entails.
Single Embryo Transfer Overview
Single embryo transfer is a type of in vitro fertilization method. This means that it involves first the removal of a number of eggs from the woman's ovaries. These eggs are kept in a laboratory and mixed with the man's sperm. The idea is to fertilize all of the eggs and then to determine which of them are the most viable and healthy. After this, the single strongest embryo is implanted into the uterus. Implanting only one single embryo does not reduce the chance of conception as compared with planting additional embryos, and it does help to reduce the instances of twins and other multiple births.
Follow Up
After you've had the single embryo transfer procedure, you'll continue to work with your fertility doctor in order to make sure that the entire process has gone according to plan. You will specifically need to follow up regularly to make sure that the embryo has successfully attached to the uterine wall. Because of the delicate nature of the procedure, your fertility specialist will have taken particular care to be sure that the uterus is at a hormonal stage in which it will readily accept the embryo. However, this does not guarantee that the embryo itself will be able to be counted on to attach to the uterine wall and to continue to develop.
Follow up generally involves a series of tests to check on the viability of the embryo. Initially, these may be hormone tests to determine whether the body's hormones have adapted to those of pregnancy. Later on, ultrasounds and other tests can be used to confirm the presence of the embryo in the uterus.
Other Information
The overall success rate for single embryo transfer, when performed correctly, is quite high. However, this is still not a sure thing and it's certainly possible that you'll go through with the entire transfer process and not end up being able to conceive after all. For this reason, be sure to follow any pre or post transfer guidelines that your doctor sets up for you. These will help to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of being receptive to the embryo so that you can effectively conceive. Single embryo transfer is a good method of conception for many couples that struggle with fertility issues; ask a fertility specialist if it may be the right choice for you.
