Fertility Class
Shared by BRC embryologist Yung-Cheng Chen:
"Embryo Glue" is actually a brand name for a culture medium rich in hyaluronic acid. The uterine cavity and freshly ovulated eggs are themselves rich in hyaluronic acid, so it plays an important role throughout the journey from ovulation to implantation. Embryo Glue has been in use for many years, yet its effect on implantation has long been debated, and even the most recent studies have reached no definitive conclusion.
A 2020 retrospective review (Note 1) analyzed 26 studies from the previous decade or so, covering 6,704 patients. The meta-analysis concluded that using a hyaluronic-acid-rich medium before transfer does increase clinical pregnancy and live-birth rates. A 2022 paper (Note 2) analyzed 9 related studies and reached the same conclusion. Notably, hyaluronic acid was once thought to aid implantation by acting like glue, sticking the embryo to the endometrium and increasing embryo–endometrium "interaction." The more recent recommendation, however, is to expose the embryo to a high concentration of hyaluronic acid for a period before transfer, which may further enhance the embryo's own implantation ability.
Still, some studies indicate that transferring with such hyaluronic-acid media does not help pregnancy rates. The UK's HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) (Note 3) gives this reproductive add-on an "amber" rating — meaning it may improve live-birth rates in IVF, but the scientific evidence is still insufficient and routine use is not recommended. So although current research suggests Embryo Glue and similar hyaluronic-acid media may raise pregnancy rates, it may not work for every patient; those with a history of repeated implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, or advanced age may consider it.
BRC ㊗️ wishes your dreams come true!