A Helpful Aid During Embryo Transfer: Embryo Glue
Embryo Glue is actually a product name. Its main component is a culture medium rich in hyaluronic acid.
The female uterine cavity, as well as newly ovulated eggs, also contain a large amount of hyaluronic acid.
Therefore, from ovulation to embryo implantation, hyaluronic acid does indeed play an important role.
Embryo Glue has actually been used for many years, but opinions have differed regarding its effect on embryo implantation.
Even recent studies have not yet reached a definite conclusion.
A retrospective review published in 2020, note 1, analyzed 26 related studies from the past decade or more, including 6704 patients.
After meta-analysis, the conclusion was:
Using a hyaluronic-acid-rich culture medium before embryo transfer does increase the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate.
A journal article published in 2022, note 2, analyzed 9 related studies, and after meta-analysis reached the same conclusion.
It is worth noting that in the past, hyaluronic acid was believed to help embryo implantation because it could act like glue, helping the embryo adhere to the endometrium and increasing the “interaction” between the embryo and the endometrium to achieve implantation.
However, the more recent suggested method is to allow the embryo to come into contact with a high-concentration hyaluronic acid culture medium for a period of time before transfer.
This may further enhance the embryo’s own implantation ability.
However, some studies have still pointed out that using this type of hyaluronic-acid-containing culture medium for embryo transfer does not have a positive effect on pregnancy rates.
Therefore, the UK HFEA, Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, note 3, gives this reproductive medicine add-on an “amber” rating.
This means that its use in IVF treatment may offer a chance of increasing the live birth rate, but the current scientific evidence is still insufficient, and routine use is not recommended.
Therefore, although current studies show that using Embryo Glue or this type of hyaluronic-acid-rich culture medium during embryo transfer may improve pregnancy rates, it may not be effective for every patient.
Patients with a history of repeated implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, or those of more advanced age may consider using it.
Yun-I embryologist: Yong-Cheng Chen
Note 1: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 02 September 2020
Note 2: Human Reproduction Update, Vol.28, No.4, pp. 480–500, 2022
Note 3: https://www.hfea.gov.uk is a UK organization that provides guidance and explanations for patients undergoing IVF.
Yun-I wishes your dreams come true!
