What is an Embryo Transfer?

Embryo transfer is often considered the simplest and final step of the in vitro fertilization process. Embryos are placed into the uterus of a female with the intent to establish a pregnancy.

Who is suitable for Fresh Embryo Transfer?

Females with few eggs and do not want to check the embryo's chromosomes.

Who is suitable for Frozen Embryo Transfer?

For females with a large number of eggs due to stimulation of eggs, undergoing ovarian stimulation will increase the hormone level, have a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and abnormalities in the uterine wall. Your doctor may advice to check the chromosomes of the embryo by dividing the preparation of the uterine wall into two types:

Natural Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer

During a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is produced by the developing follicle. This estrogen acts on the uterus to thicken and mature the uterine lining. This protocol depends entire on the women's body, with no artificial hormone given. A transvaginal ultrasound is performed to determine the thickness of the uterine lining and a blood test is performed to look at the level of estrogen in the blood and to determine the transfer date.

Artificial or Medicated Embryo Transfer

During this estrogen is given, the woman will come to the office periodically to be monitored. On occasion, if the lining is not thickening as it should, the dose or type of estrogen must be increased or prolonged.

There was no difference between the two methods of uterine wall preparation in terms of pregnancy rates. The doctor will choose a method suitable for you on a case-by-case basis.

Embryo Transfer Success Rate

In recent years, the success with a frozen embryo transfer (FET) has increased substantially making it an increasingly popular option to consider before moving to another fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

What to Expect During Embryo Transfer?

The patient will be asked to lie on the examination bed in a sterile room. For embryo transfer, the patient is placed in the same position as if she was having a pelvic exam.

The embryo transfer procedure is done by loading the IVF embryo into a catheter, the physician passes the catheter through the cervical opening up to the middle of the uterine cavity. Abdominal ultrasound is used simultaneously to watch the catheter tip advance to the proper location. When the catheter tip reaches the ideal location, the embryos are then "transferred" (squirted out of the catheter) to the lining of the uterine cavity (endometrial lining) by the infertility specialist physician.

During the procedure, the patient can see the entire process through the ultrasound screen. At our clinic, we have the patient lie on her back for 2 hour after embryo transfer before going home. About 7 days after the transfer, we do a blood test to find out if the patient is pregnant.

Getting Started:

Embryo Transfer

There is a very small risk of infection and vaginal bleeding after the egg collection.