The Role Of Embryo Glue In Fertility Treatments
Despite the name Embryo Glue isn’t glue as you know it; it’s made with a substance – hyaluronan – that aims to help the embryo more likely to stick to the lining of the womb. Hyaluronan is a type of carbohydrate found everywhere in the body. It’s rich in the carbohydrates, amino acids and protein the embryo needs to develop properly, and it also helps to thicken the Embryo Glue, which reduces how much the embryo can move around.
Embryo Glue is not actually a solution, it’s a hyaluronan-rich transfer medium used when transferring the embryo back into the uterus. Embryo glue, also known as the embryo transfer medium, is a specially formulated solution designed to improve the embryo’s chances of implantation during IVF. The embryo is provided with a nurturing environment and it acts as a temporary adhesive. Embryo glue is a specialized culture medium used in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is primary purpose to improve the chances of embryo implantation in the uterine lining.
If you decide to use Embryo Glue in your treatment, it will replace the standard culture medium that we use for embryo transfer following IVF. The embryo(s) selected for transfer are placed into Embryo Glue and are cultured for a short time up to the point of embryo transfer. The embryo transfer procedure remains the same, although the embryo is transferred in Embryo Glue.
Composition of Embryo Glue
A natural substance known as hyaluronan is found throughout our bodies and significantly increases in the uterus at the time of embryo implantation. This enhances the implantation environment, making its presence beneficial during the embryo transfer procedure. Hyaluronan offers several advantages for embryo implantation. Firstly, it acts as a viscous, a thick fluid that minimizes the movement of the embryo within the uterus. Secondly, it contains carbohydrate molecules that play a crucial role in the initial stages of embryo implantation. The composition of the embryo varies significantly depending on the manufacturer. However, Embryo glue typically contains substances designed to mimic the natural conditions of the uterus, creating an optimal environment for embryo implantation. The major components found in embryo glue consist of the following:-
Hyaluronan: This is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that supports the formation of the extracellular matrix, thereby enhancing embryo adhesion.
Albumin: Human serum albumin serves as a stabilizer and supplies crucial nutrients to support embryo development
Heparin: This anticoagulant substance prevents clotting and promotes blood flow, thereby improving the embryo’s chances of implantation.
Vitamins and amino acids: These offer enhanced nourishment to the embryo during the crucial implantation phase.
The Process of Using Embryo Glue
The application of embryo glue is commonly integrated by applying a specialized adhesive to enhance the embryo transfer procedure. This process generally involves preparing the embryo glue, delicately loading it into the transfer catheter with the embryo, and then meticulously positioning the catheter within the uterine cavity to achieve optimal placement. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Selection of the embryo: The selection of the embryo by an embryologist involves evaluating and choosing the most viable embryo(s) based on specific criteria, such as morphology and developmental stage.
Preparation of the catheter: The embryo glue solution is drawn or aspirated into the embryo transfer catheter.
Loading the embryo: The selected embryo(s) are meticulously introduced into the catheter, which is pre- filled with the embryo glue
Transfer procedure: The physician gently navigates the catheter through the cervix into the uterus, positioning the embryo(s) precisely at the desired location within the uterine cavity.
Confirmation and removal: The catheter is carefully inspected to confirm successful embryo transfer, and is then gently withdrawn.
Post-transfer care: After following the procedure, the patient is generally advised to take rest for a short period before resuming to their regular and normal activities.
Embryo glue is an innovative tool used during IVF procedures to improve embryo implantation rates. Today many fertility clinics utilize embryo glue, supported by recent research and positive feedback. This advancement underscores its growing importance and effectiveness in enhancing embryo transfer outcomes. By creating an environment that mimics the natural conditions of the uterus, embryo glue offers potential benefits such as enhanced embryo-endometrium interaction, reduced embryo displacement, and improved implantation rates. As the field of assisted reproductive technology continues to advance, embryo glue represents a promising development that can contribute to increased success rates in fertility treatments. Despite the name, Embryo Glue is not actually a glue however, it does contain an adhesive-like substance that helps to protect the embryo during the transfer process and create a ‘bridge’ between the tissues of the embryo and uterus. The addition of these substances has now been proven to boost the chances of a healthy embryo to implant into the uterus, in several large IVF studies.
Discover the latest in fertility treatments at Sapling IVF, the best IVF centre in Delhi and Gurgaon. Our cutting-edge use of Embryo Glue enhances embryo implantation, improving your chances of a successful pregnancy. Trust Sapling IVF for advanced care and exceptional outcomes.