How long after embryo transfer does implantation occur?
IVF/ET involves four main steps:
- retrieval of mature ova
- fertilization of these mature ova in vitro
- culture of preimplantation embryos and
- embryo replacement within the uterus
To achieve a successful implantation, simultaneous development of blastocyst and the endometrium is essential. In Frozen embryo transfer the timing of blastocyst warming with endometrium is important. In a frozen embryo transfer cycle timing in a natural cycle is taken into consideration. Warming and transfer of a day 5 blastocyst is timed to 5 days after suspected ovulation. Even so, the optimal day of transfer in FET is not fixed.
implantation of a fertilized ovum is most likely to occur around 6 – 9 days after ovulation. The reception-ready phase of the endometrium of the uterus is usually termed the “implantation window” and lasts about 4 days.
Initially the newly hatched blastocyst loosely adheres to the endometrial epithelium. Then it rolls over the endometrium to find a suitable place for implantation where it gets attached firmly.