EmbryoGlue in IVF

What is EmbryoGlue in IVF?

EmbryoGlue is an embryo transfer medium containing hyaluronic acid.

• EmbryoGlue is not an actual glue. It is a solution that contains hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the female reproductive tract.
• During IVF, embryos are grown in a nutrient-rich solution called culture media for between 2-6 days.
• An embryo, along with a small amount of culture media, are transferred into the uterus in a procedure called embryo transfer.
• EmbryoGlue is a ‘transfer media’ – this is an extra step. EmbryoGlue is a liquid that the embryo is placed into prior to embryo transfer for at least 10 minutes. When the embryo is placed into the catheter in preparation for embryo transfer, some EmbryoGlue is transferred along with the embryo into the uterus.

Why might EmbryoGlue improve IVF outcomes?

• Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, including in the lining of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. It helps protect and support tissues and makes the environment in the reproductive system thick and sticky, which is important for implantation. High levels of hyaluronic acid are naturally present in the uterus around the time of embryo implantation.
• EmbryoGlue may help the embryo to ‘stick’ to the lining of the uterus and therefore help it to implant and establish a pregnancy.

Why might EmbryoGlue not improve IVF outcomes?

• Hyaluronic acid is already naturally present in the uterus and fallopian tubes. Additional hyaluronic acid from EmbryoGlue may not offer any benefit. There is no available test to determine if someone might have insufficient levels of hyaluronic acid.
• Embryo implantation is a complex process with multiple factors, and hyaluronic acid plays a small role. Additional hyaluronic acid may not affect the chance of embryo implantation.
• Hyaluronic acid is already present in some culture media (the solution in which the embryo grows), so transferring an embryo to EmbryoGlue before embryo transfer may not provide any additional benefit.
• Failure of an embryo to implant is a common problem in IVF. Most of the time when embryos fail to implant it is due to genetic or chromosomal problems in the embryo itself, rather than due to insufficient hyaluronic acid. Therefore, EmbryoGlue may not be expected to make much difference to the chance of IVF success.

Who might consider EmbryoGlue?

Anyone having IVF can consider using EmbryoGlue.

Does EmbryoGlue work? What the evidence says

EmbryoGlue seems to increase the chance of getting pregnant and having a baby from IVF. The evidence is judged as low quality because many of the included studies had limitations or flaws which means that their results may not be reliable or trustworthy.

All but one study show that EmbryoGlue makes little or no difference to IVF success. One study from 2008 did find higher pregnancy and live birth rates, but when that study is excluded, the remaining evidence shows no effect. This suggests that the overall evidence for EmbryoGlue depends heavily on one older study, so the result may not be reliable.

Side effects of EmbryoGlue

Side effects are not usually relevant for lab-based optional extras like EmbryoGlue. However, each additional handling step in the IVF lab, where the embryo is moved or exposed to new environments, adds some level of potential risk.

Risks of EmbryoGlue and long-term outcomes

EmbryoGlue might lead to babies being born with slightly higher birth weights, but the difference is small, and it’s not clear if it’s important.

There are  no other known risks or long-term harms.

• This is based on data from randomised controlled trials and input from IVF specialists. Possible risks of harm and long-term outcomes are often not reported in randomised trials and therefore it is unknown whether EmbryoGlue poses any risk of harm to the IVF patient or the embryo/baby.

EmbryoGlue has been used in Australia since 2007, and approximately 500,000 IVF cycles have used EmbryoGlue.

Cost of EmbryoGlue for IVF

EmbryoGlue generally costs about $0-250 AUD. Many clinics include EmbryoGlue as a standard treatment with no additional cost.

Cost information is indicative only, costs can vary from clinic to clinic and depending on different circumstances.

Practical considerations

EmbryoGlue is a laboratory step performed by the embryologist. It does not create any extra procedure or burden on the IVF patient.

Unsure about some of the terms we have used? Use our glossary to understand scientific or unfamiliar terms.