October 2024 - Imprimis IVF

What Is Embryo Glue & Benefits of Embryo Glue in IVF

The transfer of embryos is an important part of the IVF cycle. Following the transfer, the embryo has to get implanted into the endometrium which is the inner lining of the uterus. However, implantation of embryos is highly successful if the embryo and the uterus. Some embryos will not implant regardless of the environment. In response to address this issue, researchers have devised a treatment called embryo glue. This medium contains natural hyaluronan for support of the embryo in its attachment to the endometrium which imitates the environment of the uterus.

In this article, you will discover how embryo glue works, how it increases the implantation rate and why it is an important part of improving the results of infertility treatment or IVF procedures.

What Is Embryo Glue?

Embryo Glue is a special solution used in IVF to increase the likelihood that the embryo will stick to the walls of the uterus. It is not an actual adhesive but a culture medium supplemented with things like hyaluronan which is native to the human body and crucial to the implantation process. Hyaluronan plays a role in recreating its environment in the uterus to enhance the chances of the embryo imprinting to the uterus wall.

This type of fertility service enhances the likelihood of the embryo adhering to the endometrial wall by improving the contact between the embryo and the endometrial wall. Besides, it also includes nourishments like amino acids, carbohydrates, and protein that will help to support the development of the embryo in this stage. The function of the medium is to minimize movement of the embryo after transfer to maintain the embryo in the correct position for implantation.

Embryo Glue is used during the embryo transfer stage in IVF since the selected embryos are placed in the medium before being transferred to the uterus. Research has indicated that Embryo Glue may enhance live birth rates and implantation success, particularly for patients experiencing recurrent implantation failure or for women over the age of 35.

What Is the Process of Embryo Glue?

Using embryo glue is an important part of the embryo transfer step in IVF infertility treatment, designed to improve the chances of embryo implantation. Here’s a summary of the process:

Embryo Selection: The embryologist identifies the highest quality embryo(s) for transfer, considering factors like morphology and developmental stage. The aim is to select the most viable embryos to enhance the likelihood of successful implantation.
Preparation of the Catheter: The catheter is filled with a solution that contains embryo glue, which is rich in hyaluronan. This natural substance, found in the uterus, helps create optimal conditions for the embryo’s implantation.
Loading the Embryo: The chosen embryo(s) are carefully placed into the catheter with the embryo glue. This medium provides a supportive environment, aiding in the embryo’s adherence to the uterine lining.
Transfer Procedure: The physician guides the catheter through the cervix and positions the embryo(s) in the best location within the uterine cavity. The thick consistency of the embryo glue reduces any movement of the embryo once it is placed.
Confirmation and Removal: After the transfer, the catheter is gently removed, and the physician verifies that the transfer was completed successfully.
Post-Transfer Care: Following the procedure, patients are generally advised to rest for a short time. Normal activities can usually be resumed soon after, though specific post-care instructions may differ based on the clinic’s guidelines.

Benefits of Using Embryo Glue in IVF

The use of Embryo Glue in IVF infertility treatment offers several significant benefits that can markedly improve the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Increased Implantation Success:

The efficiency of Embryo Glue leads to improved embryo implantation rates by 34% compared to the standard method. This improvement is largely due to its capacity to mimic the endometrium, thereby providing an ideal atmosphere for the embryo. Thanks to the procedure’s ability to make the embryo stick to the wall of the uterus more firmly, the process of implantation is enhanced and so the chances of pregnancy are improved.

2. Improved Clinical Pregnancy Rates:

The technique has also yielded 21% success in increase in clinical pregnancy rates. This means that not only are there more embryos implanting the lining of the uterus but are also progressing beyond the earliest stages of pregnancy. As the environment for the embryo improves and pregnancy is prolonged, thanks to Embryo Glue, childless couples find hope for becoming happy parents.

3. Higher Live Birth Rates:

Randomized control trials have established the use of Embryo Glue to increase live birth rates by 10% when applied at the time of embryo transfer. The same figure reveals that this solution not only assists with implantation but also helps pregnancies to go to full term leading to the birth of healthy babies.

4. Prevention of Ectopic Pregnancies:

The viscous properties of hyaluronan in Embryo Glue play a crucial role in stabilizing the embryo’s position within the uterus. By minimizing the risk of the embryo drifting away and implanting in an abnormal location, the use of Embryo Glue effectively reduces the chances of ectopic pregnancies, which can pose serious health risks.

5. Safety and Embryo Quality:

One of the most important attributes of hyaluronan in Embryo Glue is its tendency toward high viscosity. When an embryo can easily implant into the uterine wall, the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy is lowered because Embryo Glue helps to avoid the possibility that the embryo could move to another place within the reproductive tract, and it does so without negatively impacting the embryo’s potential for development.

Duration of Embryo Glue’s Effects:

Embryo Glue is specifically formulated to enhance the conditions for embryo implantation during IVF infertility treatment, but its effects are limited in duration. It is most effective during the initial post-transfer period, aiding the embryo in securely attaching to the uterine lining. The primary ingredient, hyaluronan, creates a “sticky” environment that replicates natural uterine conditions, facilitating improved adhesion.

However, once the embryo successfully implants and the pregnancy advances, the importance of Embryo Glue decreases. It does not influence the long-term growth and development of the fetus. In essence, its role is to assist with implantation, after which it is no longer active or needed for the continuation of the pregnancy.

Risks Associated with Embryo Glue in IVF

While appreciating the benefits of Embryo Glue in infertility treatment, it is important to note that everything comes with its risks. The use of any “new” component in IVF infertility treatment generally has a risk of adverse reactions or complications in the IVF procedure. In addition, certain people may develop an allergic nature to the substances that are used in the glue. Besides, if the glue is not applied properly, then the result will usually not be as expected.

Here it becomes important for the patients and IVF clinics to have open communication. Also, the IVF clinics should thoroughly assess the condition of the patient regularly before using Embryo Glue in an IVF treatment plan. It is very important to take note of any allergies the patient might have and other contraindications to avoid more complications and to give the best quality care.

Conclusion

Embryo Glue is a new method that is vital to the process of forming a solid implantation of an embryo during IVF procedures. Since this type of fertility service helps to create a uterine-like environment enhancing the implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate cost-effectively, it plays an important role in creating uterine receptivity in patients with RIF (recurrent implantation failure). Nonetheless, it means it is high time to remember that the usage of the diction possesses certain drawbacks as well.

The proper use of Embryo Glue should be expressed in careful evaluation and discussion between the patients and the best IVF doctor. Finally, this advancement in reproductive assistance brings light into the lives and opens more chances to those struggling with infertility issues.

What Is Beta hCG Test: Preparation, Procedure, Cost, Normal Range

in IVF

Beta hCG Test is a hormone secreted by the trophoblastic tissue during the embryonic development of a human being. When measuring hCG levels, blood and urine tests are accurate ways of determining hCG levels to confirm pregnancy. Serum tests for hCG are thought to be more sensitive and precise than urine tests, particularly in the case of early pregnancy.

Home pregnancy test kits, which can be bought at a drugstore, are usually used for the first confirmation, but to ensure the results are accurate, doctors perform blood and urine tests. These tests determine the hCG levels and are chosen for early use because they are more sensitive than urine tests and even early ultrasound examinations. Below we discuss the beta hCG test in detail regarding preparation, procedure, cost, and normal level.

What Is Beta hCG Test?

The Beta hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) test is the measurement of the beta subunit of hCG in the blood or urine. The placenta secretes this hormone soon after a fertilized egg buries itself in the uterine wall, which generally occurs between the sixth and eleventh day after conception. The hCG hormone plays a vital role in early pregnancy by sustaining the corpus luteum which produces progesterone in the first trimester.

The Beta hCG test is commonly used to confirm pregnancy because hCG increases rapidly in the first weeks and doubles in amount every 48 to 72 hours. It also assists in determining the age of the pregnancy, identifying problems that may be present such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, and during prenatal care, the condition of the fetus such as Down syndrome.

Besides pregnancy-related, it is used for diagnosing and staging some cancers such as testicular, ovarian, and trophoblastic cancers because this tumour often produces abnormal levels of hCG. Benign diseases such as liver cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease might also raise the hCG levels. The test comes in the form of a qualitative one where the result is either negative or positive or a quantitative one where the exact hCG levels are measured, which provides deeper information on the progress of pregnancy or the presence of a tumour.

How to Prepare for a Beta hCG Test?

Here are some steps to get ready for your Beta-hCG test:

Schedule Your Appointment: Book your test in advance, either at a diagnostic lab or for home sample collection, to avoid long wait times.
Fasting is Not Required: You don’t need to fast unless your doctor has advised otherwise. You can eat as you normally would.
Inform About Medications: Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Certain drugs can affect the results, and your doctor may suggest adjustments beforehand.
Bring Support: If you’re feeling anxious, consider bringing a friend or family member with you for emotional support.

Following these steps can help ensure a more straightforward experience.

What Is the Procedure for Beta-HCG Test?

The procedure for a Beta-hCG test varies depending on whether a blood or urine sample is required.

Blood Sample Collection

For a blood sample collection, a tourniquet is first tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The area where the needle will be inserted is then cleaned with an alcohol swab to ensure it is disinfected. A small needle is inserted into a vein, and blood is drawn into a test tube. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to prevent infection. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.

Urine Sample Collection

For the urine sample collection, you will receive a sterile container and receive instructions on how to collect the sample. Once you have collected the urine, the sample will be sent to the lab for testing.

What Is the Cost of Beta-hCG Test in Srinagar?

The cost of a Beta-hCG test in India can vary based on location and the laboratory. On average, prices of Beta hCG test in Srinagar range from ₹499 to ₹750, with costs generally lower in smaller cities and higher in larger metropolitan areas.

For instance, in Noida, the test starts at ₹270, while in Chennai, it is available for ₹338. In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the cost is around ₹425. In other regions such as Lucknow or Allahabad, the price can reach up to ₹750. Additionally, this test is often offered at discounted rates through online lab booking platforms or specific health packages, which can provide savings of up to 50%.

Understanding the Normal Range of Beta hCG Test

As mentioned, hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Its levels in the blood help indicate the progression of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. These levels can vary widely among individuals, but there are some general ranges observed during different stages of pregnancy. Here is a typical progression of hCG levels measured in IU/L (International Units per Liter):

At three weeks of pregnancy, the expected hCG levels range from 6 to 70 IU/L.
By nine weeks, these levels can increase significantly, reaching between 64,000 and 150,000 IU/L.
At twelve weeks, hCG levels typically fall to between 28,000 and 210,000 IU/L.
By sixteen weeks, the levels further decrease to a range of 9,000 to 56,000 IU/L.
Finally, during the period from twenty-nine to forty-one weeks, hCG levels can vary between 940 and 60,000 IU/L.

It’s important to remember that these ranges can vary. hCG levels typically peak between the 8th and 11th weeks, then decline and stabilize for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Conclusion

Beta-hCG test is very important in determining pregnancy and also in the diagnosis of several diseases. The blood or urine hCG test detects the presence of the hCG hormone and its levels can be used to monitor pregnancy, determine gestational age, and detect possible complications.

Acquiring knowledge on the preparation, procedure, cost, and normal ranges of this test will assist people to prepare for it effectively. Whether you are at home with a pregnancy test or are looking to get confirmation through laboratory analysis, knowing about the Beta-hCG test prepares you better for your healthcare process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What could interfere with the results of the Beta hCG test?

Various reasons might affect the accuracy of the Beta hCG test. For example, urine tests may give negative results if the sample has been diluted by water, so do not drink large amounts of water before the test. Blood tests are usually more accurate but can fluctuate depending on the time of the test or a woman’s health condition.

Why is the Beta hCG test performed preferred over an ultrasound in cases of early pregnancy detection?

The Beta hCG test is more sensitive than an early ultrasound and can be positive as early as six to eleven days after conception. Because hCG increases rapidly, they can affirm pregnancy earlier than an embryo can be seen by ultrasound, particularly before 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

Is there anything that Beta hCG tests can diagnose aside from pregnancy?

Yes, Beta hCG tests can detect conditions that are not pregnancy-related. Higher levels of hCG may also mean testicular or ovarian cancer, and can also be associated with problems such as an ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.

What are the uses of Beta hCG testing beyond confirming pregnancy?

Beyond confirming pregnancy, Beta hCG testing helps monitor conditions like ectopic pregnancies and certain cancers, such as testicular and ovarian cancer. It can also indicate trophoblastic diseases, like choriocarcinoma, which originates from the placenta.