Find Out What Is Embryo Culture and Transfer Blastosis

Culture and removal of the blastocyst are procedures for the maturation and transfer of the embryo into the uterus. This procedure is one step in a series of in vitro fertilization processes better known as IVF.
IVF is a procedure used to help the pregnancy process in couples who are difficult to obtain, due to reproductive disorders (infertility). In an IVF procedure, a mature egg is taken from the ovary and fertilized by sperm outside the body.

The IVF procedure is quite complicated and involves several steps. One step in the IVF procedure is embryo culture and blastocyst transfer. This step is the final step in a series of IVF processes. In the blastocyst stage, embryos formed after fertilization will undergo a maturation process to reach the blastocyst stage, which corresponds to the embryonic development stage 5 to 6 days after fertilization.

Embryos that have reached the blastocyst stage have two distinct parts, namely internal cells that will develop into fetuses and outer cells or trophoblasts which will later become placentas. However, not all embryos can develop before reaching the blastocyst stage in the laboratory. This condition depends on the quality of sperm and eggs.

After the blastocyst culture process, adult (multicellular) embryos will be returned to the uterus for development. This stage is called the blastocyst embryo transfer stage.
Indications of culture and transfer of blastocyst embryos

As part of the IVF procedure, embryo culture and blastocyst transfer can be performed in patients who have not had children for about 2 years or who have undergone therapeutic treatment to increase fertility. but don't give results. This procedure is best for women under 40 years. Infertility can be caused by several conditions, as follows:

Fallopian tubes (fallopian tubes) are damaged or blocked.
Endometriosis.
Ovarian function (ovary) decreases.
Ovulation disorders or egg maturation.
MIOM
Having carried out the action of sterilization.
Changes in form, function, and production of spermatozoa.
Have or are in the process of radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
No known cause

The IVF procedure is also performed if the couple has a high risk of transmitting genetic diseases to their baby. Through laboratory analysis, several embryos will be tested and examined for genetic diseases.
Before culture and embryonic blastosis transfer

The patient will undergo a medical examination and the doctor will explain the procedure to be followed as well as the risks he may face. Then the doctor will do a vital examination and physical examination. After the physical examination stage, each patient who underwent an IVF procedure will carry out several other tests, including:

Hormone test. This test involves measuring the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the blood to determine the number and quality of eggs.
Uterine cavity examination. The examination can be done in two ways, sonohistography and hysteroscopy. Sonohysterography is done by injecting special fluid into the uterus and with the help of an ultrasound machine, it will produce a picture of the state of the uterine cavity. Meanwhile, hysteroscopy is done by inserting an endoscope through the vagina into the uterus.
Cement analysis. The couple or husband will undergo an analysis process with semen samples in the laboratory to determine the quantity and quality of sperm.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections. The doctor will examine the possibility of a partner suffering from a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV.
Transfer of artificial embryo trials. The doctor will transfer the artificial embryo to determine the technique and depth of the uterine cavity which will be used to place the embryo in the uterus.

After the doctor confirms the patient's condition and eggs, he starts the IVF procedure. Before entering the culture transfer stage and blastocyst embryo, the patient will undergo several initial stages of IVF procedure, namely:

Stage of ovulation stimulation or induction. At this point, the doctor will give several types of drugs to increase the number of eggs, such as ovarian stimulants to increase the number of eggs produced and medicines to help the process of egg maturation. The patient will also undergo transvaginal ultrasound to monitor the development of the egg. Blood tests will also be carried out to check the effect of the drug on increasing the number of eggs.
Egg recovery stage or follicle aspiration. This step is done with a small operation. The doctor will insert an ultrasound machine into the vagina to identify the follicle. Then a small needle is inserted into the vagina, then directed to the ovary and into the follicle. The egg in the follicle is taken through a needle that is connected to a vacuum.
Fertilization (fertilization). Fertilization can be achieved in two ways, namely insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Insemination is done by combining partner sperm and egg cells taken from a special cup. If the insemination technique does not produce an embryo, the doctor will use the ICSI technique. ICSI is done by injecting healthy sperm directly into a mature egg.

Culture transfer procedure and blastocyst embryo
After the steps of stimulation, egg collection and fertilization, the embryo enters the blastocyst culture stage. At this point, the egg cell which has undergone a fertilization process will be stored in a special place in the laboratory. The doctor will monitor regularly to ensure that the eggs can develop normally and form an embryo. Embryonic cells can divide actively and after a few days, we can say that the embryo is mature and ready to be replaced in the uterus.

If the doctor has confirmed that the embryo is mature, the patient will undergo a blastocyst embryo transfer procedure. The steps are as follows:

The patient will lie on the examination table with legs open and supported.
The doctor will inject a sedative so that the patient remains relaxed during the transfer procedure.
The doctor will insert a long, thin, elastic elastic tube (catheter) into the vagina and then direct it to the cervix and uterus. The patient will feel uncomfortable when a catheter is inserted.
Catheters are connected by injections containing one or more embryos that have been given special fluids to protect them.
The doctor will inject the embryo slowly through a catheter into the uterus.
After the blastocyst transfer is complete, the doctor pulls the catheter into the patient's vagina.

After embryonic culture and transfer of blastocyst

After embryonic blastocyst transfer, the patient is advised to lie in the recovery room for several minutes. After the doctor ensures that the patient's condition is stable, he will usually allow him to go home without being treated in the hospital. Patients can resume normal activities, but the doctor will give them some instructions that they can follow at home to protect the growth of the embryo and prevent the risk of miscarriage. Among others are:

Sleep and get enough rest when you feel tired.
Perform light movements, such as walking, to increase blood flow to the uterus.
Consumption of nutritious foods.
Take the pill or use injections of the hormone progesterone for 8 to 10 weeks after embryo blastocyst transfer. Progesterone is a hormone produced naturally by the ovaries to help thicken the lining of the uterus and allow the embryo to attach more easily to the uterine wall.
Take folic acid supplements regularly to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.
Avoid excessive stress because it can indirectly affect the development of the embryo.
Consult with your doctor regularly to monitor the development of the embryo.

Culture results and embryonic blastosis transfer

About 12 to 24 days after the embryo transfer process, the doctor will analyze blood samples to check the development of the embryo. The results of embryo transfer are influenced by several factors, namely:

Age.
History of disorders of the reproductive organs.
State of the embryo
Causes of infertility.
Lifestyle

Embryo transfer can have two results, namely:

Positive Pregnancy. If the embryo attaches perfectly to the uterine wall and develops normally. The patient will carry out routine checks at the obstetrician for further examination.
Negative pregnancy. If the embryo is not attached to the uterine wall and does not grow. This condition can be known when the patient continues his menstrual cycle. The doctor will ask the patient to stop using the hormone progesterone and encourage the patient to restart the IVF procedure.

Risk of culture and transfer of blastocyst embryos

Blastocyst embryo culture and transfer are safe procedures. Side effects experienced are usually mild and rarely occur. Among others are:

Stomach cramps.
constipation
leukorrhea
Breast pain due to high estrogen levels

Although relatively rare, culture procedures and embryo blastocyst transfer can also cause complications, including:

Twin Pregnant. Occurs when more than one embryo is injected into the uterus. Twin pregnancy can cause premature birth or low birth weight.
Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the womb. This type of pregnancy cannot be continued because it could endanger the mother.
OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which is swelling and the appearance of pain in the ovaries.
Birth defects. As the patient ages, the risk of pregnancy increases. One of the risks is birth defects.
Miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage will increase with increasing age of pregnant women.

Contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital if you meet the following conditions: