Embryo Transfer Quick Guide! Do You Feel Successful Implantation? Mastering the Symptoms and Timing of Implantation

During embryo transfer, most often performed with the patient's legs spread apart, the doctor will use a speculum to hold open the vagina and clean it. Then, a specially designed embryo transfer catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity, delivering the embryo directly into the uterus. Some transfer procedures may also incorporate 4D ultrasound to precisely confirm the most suitable location for implantation, thereby increasing the success rate. The entire procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and many fertility centers allow patients to rest lying down for sufficient time before leaving. Some clinics may even elevate the hips slightly. Generally, after the transfer, normal activities can be resumed, and bed rest is not necessary because clinical studies have shown that bed rest may increase the risk of blood clots, providing no benefit to pregnancy.

What should be noted before and after embryo transfer?

The most crucial aspect of embryos is that the quality of both sperm and eggs must be good. Therefore, in the three months leading up to embryo transfer, it is essential to ensure adequate sleep and nutrition. Adopting a Mediterranean diet and engaging in appropriate exercise to enhance physical fitness are recommended to ensure the production of high-quality embryos. Many people may wonder whether sexual intercourse between partners is permissible before embryo transfer. To improve the success rate, it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity from two days before the transfer until three months into the pregnancy. As for physical exercise, given the current fitness trend, can it continue before embryo transfer? Physicians advise engaging in gentle exercises such as walking and yoga both before and after the transfer, especially avoiding high-intensity activities afterward to prevent undoing the progress made.

After the transfer, fertility centers typically advise avoiding raw or cold fruits and refraining from consuming foods such as sesame oil, coix seed, and Chinese herbal medicine that may affect implantation. Furthermore, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine should be temporarily avoided, and overall dietary intake should be light, nutritious, and well-balanced, rich in vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins.

What are the symptoms of embryo implantation? How do you know if implantation was successful?

Embryo implantation is the final step in the IVF process, typically followed by a pregnancy test 12-14 days after implantation. Besides using urine (pregnancy test kit) to detect hCG concentration, a blood test is a more accurate method. Apart from predicting intrauterine pregnancy based on hCG levels, blood tests can even forecast whether the embryo will survive. Therefore, it's common in fertility clinics to accurately assess pregnancy status even before the embryo is visible on ultrasound.

During this process, often referred to as the "lottery," many prospective parents experience heightened sensitivity to their body sensations, anxiously awaiting signs of implantation. Sometimes, spotting prompts a swift dash to the hospital, fearing that their efforts may have been in vain due to something they did or didn't do. However, it's important to reassure clients that they've done their best, and if the embryo doesn't implant, it's often for the best. If it does, doctors will assist in ensuring a safe birth. Therefore, maintaining a calm mindset throughout the IVF journey is crucial for both individuals and their relationships.

When does embryo implantation occur? How do you know when the embryo has implanted?

Embryo implantation typically occurs around days 7-10 of embryo development. The process itself is usually silent and painless, without the sensation of the embryo implanting as one might imagine. However, some individuals may experience mild lower abdominal discomfort after implantation (which usually subsides within 2-3 days). Upon successful implantation, hormonal and placental secretion of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) continues to rise, leading to symptoms such as breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea. Additionally, some individuals may experience implantation bleeding, characterized by light to dark brown spotting that differs from the color of menstrual blood. This spotting typically lasts for a few hours to 3 days and is associated with mild discomfort. Minor bleeding is usually nothing to worry about, but if bleeding is heavier than a 50-cent coin or accompanied by significant pain, it's advisable to visit your fertility clinic promptly.

Are there signs of failed implantation? Generally, if implantation fails, menstruation will occur within about two weeks. If menstruation is delayed for more than two weeks, it could be due to psychological factors such as stress and anxiety causing hormonal imbalance. Rest and relaxation can help restore normal hormonal function, but if the situation doesn't improve, seeking medical evaluation for hormone therapy via injections or oral progesterone may be necessary.

The key factors for successful pregnancy include not only the embryo but also the uterus.

Many clients often inquire whether IVF guarantees a hundred percent success. Unfortunately, even the most skilled physicians cannot guarantee success. Why is that? Because successful pregnancy is the result of seven major factors, which include:

1. Maternal age

2. Egg quality

3. Sperm quality

4. Embryo quality

5. Uterine environment (including pelvic cavity, fallopian tubes, endometrium, etc.)

6. Laboratory conditions

7. Differences among physicians

However, please believe that all physicians are as eager for success as you are. Therefore, for IVF to succeed, in addition to choosing a hospital with a good laboratory and experienced physicians, it's also essential to cooperate with the physician to produce the best embryos. If producing eggs is not possible, selecting a rigorously screened egg bank with excellent quality is crucial. If one's own circumstances are unsuitable for pregnancy or if there are conditions preventing natural conception due to illness or other factors, finding a legal and suitable surrogate mother is also a pathway to successful parenthood.

The RSMC Reproductive Medical Center in the United States boasts the largest laboratory in Southern California. Its success rate for advanced age PGS embryos exceeds the national average. Additionally, it has multiple reproductive experts with over 30 years of rich clinical experience. The center also manages elite egg banks/surrogate mother banks handpicked by physicians. With professional medical consultation available in multiple languages across different time zones, we are here to support you through the challenges of seeking parenthood and guide you towards a fulfilling future. Feel free to contact us to arrange a free consultation with our American director. You can reach us via Line / WeChat: rsmctw or WhatsApp: +1 858-342-6046.

Further Reading:

Thankful for Hong Kong Economic Journal Monthly's Coverage

Thanks Taiwan media for reporting: U.S. surrogacy attracts Taiwan's single/LGBT community to seek parenthood across the sea

Limited-Time Offer : Egg Donation Surrogacy Success Package