Know What is Embryo Blastocyst Culture and Transfer

Roseous.com - Know What is Embryo Blastocyst Culture and Transfer. Culture and transfer of embryonic blastosis is a procedure of maturation and transfer of the embryo into the uterus. This procedure is one of the stages in the series of in vitro fertilization process which is better known as IVF.

IVF is a procedure that is performed to help the pregnancy process in couples who are difficult to have offspring due to disorders of 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 procedures and consist of 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 been 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 cell that will develop into the fetus, and the outer cell or trophoblast 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, the mature embryo (multicellular) will be put back into the uterus to develop. This stage is known as the stage of embryo blastosis transfer.

Indications of culture and transfer of embryo blastosis

As part of IVF procedures, culture and transfer of embryo blastosis can be performed on female patients who have not had children for about 2 years, or have undergone treatment therapy to improve fertility but have not produced results. This procedure is better for women under 40 years of age. This infertility can be caused by the following conditions:

• The ovary canal (fallopian tube) is damaged or has a blockage.
• Endometriosis.
• The function of the ovaries (ovaries) decreases.
• Ovulation disorders or egg maturation.
• Miom.
• Never do sterilization actions.
• Impaired sperm shape, function and production.
• Never or are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
• The cause is unknown

IVF procedures are also performed 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.

Before Culture and Embryo Blastosis Transfer

The patient will undergo a medical history examination and the doctor will explain the procedure to be followed, 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 will undergo IVF procedures will carry out several follow-up examinations, including:

• Hormone test. This test is done by measuring the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen hormone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) 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.
• Cement analysis. The spouse or husband will undergo an analysis process with sperm samples in the laboratory to determine sperm quantity and quality.
• Screening intensually transmitted infections. The doctor will examine the possibility of a partner suffering from a intensually transmitted infection, such as HIV.
• Experiment of transfer of artificial embryos. The doctor will transfer the 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 embryo blastocyst culture and transfer stage, 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 done 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 to a vacuum.
• 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 stages of 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. 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 blastosis 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.
• 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 inject the embryo slowly through the catheter into the uterus.
• After completing the transfer of the embryo blastosis, the doctor will pull a catheter from the patient's vagina.

After Embryo Blastosis Culture and Transfer

After undergoing an embryo blastosis 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 others are:

• Get enough sleep 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.
• Take 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.

Results of Embryo Blastosis Culture and Transfer

Around 12-24 days after the embryo transfer process, the doctor will test blood samples to check for embryonic development. Embryo transfer results are influenced by several factors, namely:

• Age.
• History of impaired reproductive organs.
• Embryo condition.
• Causes of infertility.
• Lifestyle

There are two possible results of embryo transfers, including:

• Positive pregnancy. If the embryo attaches perfectly to the uterine wall and develops normally. The patient will take routine control to the obstetrician for further examination.
• Negative pregnant. 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.

Risk of Culture and Embryo Blastosis Transfer

Culture and transfer of embryo blastosis is a safe procedure to do. The perceived side effects are generally mild and rare. Among others are:

• Abdominal cramps.
• Constipation.
• Leucorrhoea.
• Breast pain due to high estrogen levels

Although quite rare, culture procedures and transfer of embryo blastosis can also cause complications, including:

1.     Twin pregnancy. Occurs when the number of embryos injected into the uterus is more than one. Twins are at risk of causing premature birth or low birth weight.

2.     Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy cannot be continued because it can endanger the mother.

3.     OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which is swelling and the appearance of pain in the ovary.

4.     Birth defects. The more the patient ages, the more risky his life is. One risk is that babies experience birth defects.

5.     Miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage will increase as pregnant women age.

Read more: These Are Signs of Your Relationship and Your Partner Should Be Disconnected.

Contact a doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital if you experience the following conditions:

• Fever.
• Pelvic pain.
• Severe bleeding from the vagina.
• Blood spots in urine.