How to Tell If You Are a Good Candidate for Embryo Transfer

Did you know that infertility affects up to 15% of couples that are trying to get pregnant? Depending on your mission in life, many causes of infertility can be addressed through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the hefty cost of IVF, along with the mental and physical turmoil, may prevent you from going ahead with it. Fortunately, the procedure is fruitful if you already have donor eggs or are under 35. To find out if you are eligible for IVF / embryo transfer in Santa Monica at the California Center for Reproductive Health, take a look at some of these factors.

Who is eligible for an embryo transfer procedure?

The IVF process cannot be complete unless embryo transfer is done. During the procedure, the doctor administers fertility medications to assist the ovaries in producing viable eggs. The eggs will be harvested from the ovaries for fertilization and multiplication in the lab. Finally, the embryo will be placed on the uterus wall to mark the beginning of a pregnancy.

Embryo transfer may be applied in the following cases:

Endometriosis

In a typical scenario, a tissue is supposed to grow inside the uterus, but when the contrary happens, it means that the patient has endometriosis. When this happens, a doctor needs to treat the condition before an IVF procedure is conducted. 

Damaged fallopian tubes

After fertilization, healthy fallopian tubes should provide a clear path for embryos to move up to the uterus. In the case of damaged tubes, they will not reach the uterus. Embryo transfer can only be done once the fallopian tubes have been repaired.

Uterine fibroids

Fibroids are tiny tumors that implant on the uterus wall, making it difficult for an embryo to survive in the womb. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, it will be essential to remove them before an embryo transfer procedure is conducted.

Hormonal imbalance

Some women tend to have a hormonal imbalance that may lead to ovulation disorders. This makes it difficult for ovaries to produce enough eggs for fertilization. Fortunately, some medications can make your ovulation more frequent.

Genetic disorders

If your family has a history of infertility, there are high chances of you facing the same. This situation can be devastating, especially if you have been trying to conceive for many years. Finding out what could be causing infertility can determine how an embryo transfer procedure can be performed.

What to Expect

Once your doctor confirms that you are eligible for embryo transfer, they will use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to fertilize your eggs with sperm in the lab. Discuss with your doctor about other options before you go ahead with it, but if it is the best bet you have at carrying a successful pregnancy, there is no reason to worry.

Going by the high success rates of IVF embryo transfer, it is evident that women with infertility problems can carry a pregnancy to full term under the supervision of a board-certified surgeon and medical practitioners. To find out if you are qualified for an embryo transfer, contact your doctor today.