Sequential Embryo Transfer: Lots of Patients are conceiving by This Procedure
Sequential Embryo Transfer or SET is a procedure that transfers two sets of embryos to a woman’s womb during the menstrual cycle on different days. Active living, healthy eating, taking vitamin and folic acid supplements are some of the tips to increase the success rate.
The created and solid embryos are transferred on day 2-3 or day 5-6 to the womb (whichever is best according to your embryologist). This is a very vital procedure in IVF to guarantee the quality and best embryos to be implanted in uterus naturally.
What is the Procedure in SET?
As discussed above, two groups of embryos (on day 2/3 and on day 5/6) are transplanted to the mother’s womb in one menstrual cycle in this procedure.
- The very first group includes the fastest growing embryos transferred within 2-3 days of formation.
- After the first batch, another group is transferred to the uterus in a few days.
- The second group is more mature than the first one and reaches the Blastocyst stage of development.
- This sequencing is vital to increase the odds of conception.
- The second group is more likely to be attached to the uterine wall as they are more advanced.
- The first group releases ‘cytokines’ hormones to improve the uterus and prepare the odds for better implantation.
- After implantation of more than one embryo, additional ones are preserved well for the next fertility cycle.
Who can opt for Sequential Embryo Transfer?
There are different benefits of sequential embryo transfer procedure in case you faced constant implantation failures. In fact, lots of expected women are conceiving with this procedure. But it is vital to discuss with your doctor to check your eligibility.
How long does the procedure take?
The process doesn’t take more than five minutes. After completing the process, you need to lie down for the next 5 minutes for a quick briefing before you go home. Keep in mind that more than one embryo will be transferred into your uterus during this procedure. Hence, it can take even more time than transferring a single embryo.
How long does SET take to make you conceive?
It takes up to 6 days from sperm and egg to develop a zygote and then an embryo in case of natural pregnancy. It further takes up to 10 days for an embryo to get implanted into the uterus successfully. When it comes to the IVF cycle, an embryo takes around 5 days to be implanted and to start pregnancy after embryo transfer.
Are there any side effects of sequential embryo transfer?
The process involves blastocysts with high potential for implantation to be used. Hence, all embryos should be implanted in the uterus successfully. It often leads to multiple pregnancies. Women going through this procedure are more likely to have twins in one pregnancy.
