EmbryoGlue in Mexico City
A small addition to your IVF cycle that may make a real difference. Here is everything you need to know about EmbryoGlue — what it is, whether it is right for your situation, and what it costs when you treat in Mexico City.
What is EmbryoGlue?
EmbryoGlue is a specialized transfer medium used during embryo transfer in an IVF cycle. The embryo is placed in this solution just before being transferred into the uterus.
Its active ingredient is hyaluronan, a naturally occurring substance found in the uterine cavity. Hyaluronan helps the embryo adhere to the uterine lining — which is why the product earned its informal name. It mimics the natural environment of the uterus and is thought to support implantation at a critical moment in the process.
EmbryoGlue is manufactured by Vitrolife, a Swedish company, and is one of the most widely studied embryo transfer media available today.
Who is EmbryoGlue for?
EmbryoGlue can be used in any IVF or frozen embryo transfer cycle. It is not reserved for high-risk patients — many clinics offer it routinely. That said, certain profiles tend to benefit the most:
- Patients who have experienced one or more previous implantation failures.
- Women with thin or less receptive endometrial lining.
- Patients doing frozen embryo transfers, where every condition matters.
- Anyone doing IVF who wants to maximize implantation chances with a low-risk add-on.
If you are unsure whether EmbryoGlue is appropriate for your specific situation, your fertility specialist can advise during your initial consultation. You can also explore related topics such as IVF or frozen embryo transfer to better understand the full picture.
How EmbryoGlue is used during an IVF cycle
The process is simple from the patient's perspective. EmbryoGlue does not add any extra steps or procedures to your cycle. Here is what happens:
- During the embryo culture phase. The embryo develops in an incubator using standard culture media.
- Just before transfer. The embryologist places the embryo in the EmbryoGlue solution for a short loading period.
- Transfer day. The embryo is transferred into the uterus as usual, with the hyaluronan-rich medium providing additional support for adhesion.
- After the procedure. No additional steps are required. The luteal phase support and monitoring continue as planned.
Because it does not change the transfer procedure itself, there is no additional discomfort or recovery time associated with using EmbryoGlue.
Does EmbryoGlue actually improve IVF success rates?
This is the question most patients ask, and it deserves a straightforward answer. The evidence is generally positive, though not absolute.
Multiple studies have shown an improvement in implantation and clinical pregnancy rates when EmbryoGlue is used compared to standard transfer media. A Cochrane review found moderate evidence supporting its use, particularly in patients with a history of implantation failure. It is not a guarantee, but it is one of the more evidence-backed add-ons available in fertility medicine today.
Its safety profile is also well established. Because hyaluronan is naturally present in the body, the risk of adverse effects is considered very low.
Cost of EmbryoGlue in Mexico City
EmbryoGlue is typically offered as an add-on to an IVF cycle rather than a standalone treatment. The price varies depending on the clinic and whether it is included in a package or billed separately.
Compared to prices in the United States or Canada, the cost of EmbryoGlue as an add-on in Mexico City is significantly lower — while the product itself and the protocols used are identical. For full context on IVF pricing, you can review our IVF cost in Mexico City page.
| Item / Scenario | USA (typical pricing) | Mexico City (typical pricing) |
|---|---|---|
| EmbryoGlue add-on (per transfer) | $600–$1000 USD | $200–$550 USD |
| Full IVF cycle with EmbryoGlue included | $15,000–$25,000+ USD | Significantly lower total cost |
| Frozen embryo transfer with EmbryoGlue | $4,000–$6,000 USD (transfer + meds) | Considerably more affordable |
Travelling to Mexico City for IVF with EmbryoGlue
Because EmbryoGlue is used at the moment of transfer and does not change your travel schedule, it fits naturally into any IVF trip to Mexico City. Most patients undergoing a fresh IVF cycle are in Mexico for 8–12 days. For a frozen embryo transfer, the stay is usually shorter — around 3–5 days.
We help international patients coordinate their timing so there are no surprises. If you want to understand the full logistics, we can walk you through what to expect from your first consultation to transfer day.
An honest perspective on IVF add-ons
There are many add-ons offered in fertility medicine, and not all of them have the same level of evidence. EmbryoGlue is one of the better-studied options, but we believe in giving patients honest information rather than overselling possibilities.
It may improve your chances. It will not replace a good embryo, a receptive uterus, or a well-timed cycle. The best decisions are made when you understand both the potential and the limits of each tool available to you.
If you have questions about whether EmbryoGlue makes sense for your specific cycle, we are here to help you think it through — calmly and without pressure.
This article was medically reviewed by
Dr. Alejandro Castillo Peláez
Dr. Castillo is a Gynecologist, Obstetrician and Reproductive Biologist with advanced training across Mexico, the United States and Europe.
He completed his Medical Surgeon’s degree at UNAM, followed by a fellowship in Plastic Surgery for Gynecology at Northwest Memorial Hospital in Houston, where he gained specialized expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive gynecologic procedures.
He later pursued a fellowship in Reproductive Biology and completed a subspecialty in Assisted Reproduction Biology at IVI in Spain — one of the world’s leading fertility institutions.
Today, he treats American and Canadian patients every month across accredited clinics in Mexico City.
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