What is EmbryoGlue?
EmbryoGlue is the trademark name for a special solution that can be used at the time of transfer of embryos into the uterus in IVF treatment. Whilst the name implies that this substance helps stick the embryos to the lining of the womb, like normal glue, this is not the case. The solution is not a glue and the name has purely been adopted to help promote this solution. EmbryoGlue is actually a normal culture medium (a solution that contains all the correct nutrients to help embryos grow) containing hyaluronan, that is normally found in the uterus at the time the embryo implants, and a protein called albumin. Normal culture medium is designed to act like the fluid found in the fallopian tubes where the embryo normally develops during the first few days, whilst EmbryoGlue is designed to make the medium more like the fluid found in the uterus at the time the embryo is ready to attach to the lining of the womb.
What does EmbryoGlue do?
It is thought that the hyaluronan in embryo glue acts in two main ways; as a bridge between the embryo and receptors on the lining of the womb to encourage attachment of the embryo and to slightly thicken the medium that the embryo is growing in so that the embryo better mixes with the fluid naturally in the womb and prevents the embryo moving as much in the womb.
What are the benefits of EmbryoGlue?
According to the HFEA website, there is a body of conflicting evidence for the use of EmbryoGlue in treatment and further research is required. Research from a large review of data shows that EmbryoGlue increases pregnancy and live birth rates by around 10%. There is one high quality study in this review and other studies were deemed of moderate quality. Further high quality studies are needed before we can be confident of the benefits of EmbryoGlue.
Does EmbryoGlue benefit everybody?
The data indicates that the best benefits are found in older patients, those where the female is over 35 or where the couple have not been pregnant after previous treatment.
Does EmbryoGlue work for all embryos?
EmbryoGlue can be used for all transfers both for cleaved (day 3) embryos or for blastocysts (day 5). The data shows a slightly greater benefit when used with blastocysts.
Is EmbryoGlue safe?
There are no known risks from using EmbryoGlue. Studies have confirmed that EmbryoGlue is safe; albumin is a recombinant product which is considered the safest and cleanest type of protein, and hyaluronan is found naturally in the uterus.
What is the cost of EmbryoGlue?
We are delighted to confirm that whilst EmbryoGlue is an extra addition to the treatment, the benefits of EmbryoGlue are such that we have introduced this for all treatments without charge.
