Embryo glue is an advanced fertility treatment used to enhance the chances of successful implantation during an embryo transfer, particularly in IVF and surrogacy.
While surrogates are carefully selected for their health and fertility, embryo glue can provide an extra layer of support for couples seeking to grow their family through surrogacy.
If you’re considering surrogacy to grow your family, contact us today to learn more about the surrogacy medical process and how we thoroughly screen our surrogates.
In this article, we’ll explore how embryo glue works, the success rates and when it might be recommended.
Embryo Glue in IVF and Surrogacy
Despite its name, embryo glue is not an adhesive, but a solution enriched with hyaluronan, a naturally occurring substance in the uterine lining that aids in implantation.
By addressing one potential barrier to implantation, embryo glue offers an additional layer of support for those seeking to improve their IVF outcomes.
For surrogacy, embryo glue may be part of the treatment protocol to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy for both intended parents and the surrogate.
When it comes to embryo glue and surrogacy, it could be right for your situation if:
- You have a history of failed IVF transfers
- You have experienced failed surrogacy transfers
- You don’t have many embryos left
- Your budget may be strained if additional transfers are needed
Embryo glue may not be necessary in all surrogacy cases because surrogates are carefully prescreened and selected based on their medical history and overall health. After you match with a surrogate, she will undergo additional screening at a fertility clinic.
View our qualified surrogates today.
Highly qualified surrogates typically have a strong reproductive track record, which means they have already demonstrated the ability to carry a pregnancy successfully.
Embryo Glue Success Rates
The results of a study recorded in a 2024 paper from the National Library of Medicine looked at the effect of embryo glue on the live birth rate for frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.
The study measured the efficacy of standard treatment vs. treatment with embryo glue for patients 35 years and under and 35 years and older.
- Under 35: The clinical pregnancy rate was 71.7% in the embryo glue treatment group and 62.3% in the standard treatment group.
- Under 35: The live birth rate was 63.4% in the embryo glue treatment group. And 51.9% in the standard treatment group.
- Over 35: The clinical pregnancy rate was 63.6% in the embryo glue treatment group and 44.6% in the standard treatment group.
- Over 35: The live birth rate 52.8% in the embryo glue treatment group and was 35.6% in the standard treatment group.
According to this 2015 paper from the National Library of Medicine, the clinical pregnancy rate in the study group was 7% higher than the control group.
It also found a significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate for those that used embryo glue with previous IVF failure.
Vitrolife, the producer of EmbryoGlue, cited the Cochrane Library, “a collection of databases that contain high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making,” when it came to its products effectiveness
Their review in 2020 stated: “”Moderate‐quality evidence shows improved clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with the addition of hyaluronic acid as an adherence compound in embryo transfer media in ART.”
Embry Glue: Pros and Cons
With conflicting thoughts out there when it comes to the use of embryo glue, consider the pros and cons.
Pros
- Could improve implantation rates
- Better live birth rates
- Minimal risk
Cons
- Success is not guaranteed
- Additional cost, which can range from $150 to $300 per cycle
- Limited evidence of effectiveness for all IVF patients
Does Embryo Glue Help Prevent Ectopic Pregnancy?
Although it can’t directly prevent an ectopic pregnancy, embryo glue can help stop it from happening by influencing implantation that occurs properly.
An ectopic pregnancy typically happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus in the fallopian tubes. Embryo glue can potentially help this by increasing the chances of implantation in the uterus.
How Much Does Embryo Glue Cost?
The cost of embryo glue can vary depending on the fertility clinic and the location, but it typically ranges from $200 to $500 per embryo transfer cycle.
Some fertility clinics may include it as part of the overall IVF or surrogacy treatment package, while others may charge it as an additional service.
Does Embryo Glue Really Work?
For some patients, embryo glue may increase implantation rates.
However, its effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors. Consulting with your fertility specialist is essential to determine whether it’s a suitable option for your treatment plan.
Get the Support You Deserve
Ultimately, embryo glue is just one of many factors that contribute to a successful outcome.
As you look at various solutions to helping you become a parent, like embryo glue in IVF, make sure you talk to your medical professionals to get the most up-to-date insight and information about products like these.
Fill out our online contact form to find a fertility clinic near you that can walk you through the medical processes and whether or not embryo glue could be right for your situation.