Does embryo glue (or, strictly speaking, EmbryoGlue) really work? We were initially sceptical. A low-cost product that helps your embryo to implant? It sounded too good to be true. Critics initially called embryo glue too simplistic. But has that view changed?
Today, embryo glue is used by many fertility clinics. There’s been updated research and positive feedback. It may benefit some patients more than others, but some results have been encouraging. We think embryo glue has promise.
Embryo glue isn’t really a glue at all. It’s a specially developed formula that contains, among other things, high levels of a substance called hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronan occurs naturally in your uterine lining. It makes secretions stickier, aiding the very complex process of implantation. Embryo glue mimics those endometrial secretions. On your embryo transfer day, your embryos are first dipped into the glue. Its adhesive effect may help your embryos attach, enhancing implantation. Some linings need that extra push.
Like many fertility add-ons, embryo glue faced resistance. An early study in the Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynaecology cast doubt on its effects. That gave the makers of the product a very bad morning. Other reviews, and clinical reaction, have been mixed.
But more recent research suggests otherwise. A review carried out by the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Sub-Fertility Group, published in the respected Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, showed more promising results.
The evidence suggested that clinical pregnancy and live birth rates are improved by the use of hyaluronic acid. Other studies suggest embryo glue may be particularly beneficial for women with repeated implantation failure or unexplained infertility.
Fertility clinics are best placed to monitor implantation failure. So if you’ve had previous fertility treatments where it all looked promising – nice lining, good-quality embryos, normal uterine environment – and your treatment failed, EmbryoGlue might be needed.
Money-wise, embryo glue is a relatively low-cost fertility add-on. It’s not going to break the bank. Clinic fees are around £200. It’s non-contentious, so any patient can request it and clinics are unlikely to object.
Our thinking is this. If fertility clinics see value in an affordable product, backed by fairly reasonable research, perhaps patients should too. It’s certainly less controversial, and less invasive, than endometrial scratching.
Research into the benefits of embryo glue continues. But if you’ve had issues with implantation or repeat miscarriages, it’s worth considering. Speak to your clinic, and watch our video below.
31 Responses
Can embryo glue be used on frozen embryos? Can I talk to my doctor or suggest to my doctor about it, since I have had several failed IVFs.
Yes, embryo glue can be used on frozen embryos. Please speak to your fertility clinic about this and good luck with your FET.
I just used embryo glue on my frozen embryo.
Did it work?
Did it work?
Can embryo glue be used on frozen embryos? Can I talk to my doctor or suggest to my doctor about it, since I have had several failed IVFs.
Yes, embryo glue can be used on frozen embryos. Please speak to your fertility clinic about this and good luck with your FET.
I just used embryo glue on my frozen embryo.
three cycles failed, embryo glue used fourth cycle. i want two know the success rate.
hi pratibha did embryo glue worked?????
three cycles failed, embryo glue used fourth cycle. i want two know the success rate.
hi pratibha did embryo glue worked?????
Can embryo glue be used as well as / alongside assisted hatching
Can embryo glue be used as well as / alongside assisted hatching
Jennifer, did the glue work?
Jennifer, did the glue work?
Hello Jennifer, how did you go? did the glue work?
Hello Jennifer, how did you go? did the glue work?
Can PRP ne used with hatching? (I.e. with laser-assisted hatching.)
Can PRP ne used with hatching? (I.e. with laser-assisted hatching.)
My doc told me about embryo glue I don’t know anything about it how good it is? its going to be my third time doing the transfer.
My doc told me about embryo glue I don’t know anything about it how good it is? its going to be my third time doing the transfer.
I used Embryoglue during my first IVF transfer that was luckily successful. Whether this is due to the glue or other predispositions: who knows… With additionally 85 Euros (Germany), the costs were relatively low in my clinic, so we just went for it.
Good luck to everyone!!
I used Embryoglue during my first IVF transfer that was luckily successful. Whether this is due to the glue or other predispositions: who knows… With additionally 85 Euros (Germany), the costs were relatively low in my clinic, so we just went for it.
Good luck to everyone!!
I just used embryo glue on my 2nd IVF. Awaiting for the result
Was the glue a success?
I just used embryo glue on my 2nd IVF. Awaiting for the result
Was the glue a success?
how much is embryo glue did it work
Did the glue work for anyone that just tried it?.
I had 3 IVF cycles, 4 failed transfers and gave up fertility treatment. Every single transfers was very promising with well developing embryos and ideal uterus/hormonal condition. There was no explanation why the transfers failed. After a while the clinic called to ask what to do with the remaining frozen “packages”. Somehow I decided to try for the very last time. Only then my doc suggested me to try the glue. It worked! My 5th transfer was with 2 embryos, one successfully implanted and is today a healthy 2 years old boy. I don’t know whether it was the glue, simply shear luck or other factors we will never find out. Good luck for anyone.