It's finally the big day, the one you've been anxiously waiting for...your embryo transfer! Everything you've done during your IVF cycle has been working towards this one potentially life-changing procedure. Let's explore what you can expect before, during and after.
In this article:
- What is an embryo transfer?
- What to Expect at Your Embryo Transfer
- Before Your Embryo Transfer
- During Your Embryo Transfer
- After Your Embryo Transfer
- How to Increase Blood Flow to Uterus After Embryo Transfer
- Embryo Transfer Day FAQs
- Is embryo transfer painful?
- Should I eat fries after embryo transfer?
- How many embryos should I transfer?
- Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer
An embryo transfer is a short procedure in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment process during which an embryo is carefully transferred into the uterus with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy.
It's only natural that you probably have (quite) a few questions about what happens before, during and after your embryo transfer!
As a medical assistant who helps perform multiple embryo transfers each day, I'm here to get all those questions answered and help you feel a bit more prepared for this exciting milestone.
Your Care Team will check the procedure schedule the day before transfer day to confirm if you are doing a fresh or frozen embryo transfer and will prepare any consent forms.
While your partner or support person is welcome to accompany you to your transfer, you will be able to drive yourself to and from the appointment alone if needed, since you won't be receiving anesthesia.
On embryo transfer day:
- DON'T wear any perfume or hairspray (little embryos are super sensitive to scents)
- DO come to your transfer with a full bladder (learn why below or in this video)
We want you to feel as relaxed as possible on this exciting day, and will do everything we can to ensure you have a smooth, stress-free experience. One of the best ways to add a little extra relaxation into the mix is by scheduling a pre- and post-transfer acupuncture session with one of our amazing fertility acupuncturists!
After you arrive at our Norwalk location, we will bring you back to the surgical suite and get you set up. We will verify your name, date of birth, and other important details. We will then walk with you to one of our two embryo transfer rooms and do a quick ultrasound to assess how full your bladder is.
Once all of this is complete, you will be ready for your transfer!
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The doctor performing your embryo transfer will go over paperwork with you before starting the procedure, including reviewing the plan you put together with your primary Illume Fertility doctor, a photo of your embryo from that morning, and any preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) performed on the embryo - if you chose to have your embryo(s) tested.
You will then see your ID on the screen and verify which embryo has been selected for your transfer. Once this is confirmed, you will see your embryo in real time under the microscope in the embryology laboratory (which is right on the other side of the transfer room wall).
From there, we will begin the transfer process, which is when you’ll see the embryo placed in your uterus on the ultrasound monitor. The doctor performing your transfer will talk you through what they are doing throughout the procedure.
The entire embryo transfer process should take between 10-15 minutes total, but keep in mind that reviewing paperwork, verifying your identity, and preparing for transfer will take up most of that time - the actual transfer only takes a couple minutes!
The doctor will go over paperwork with you before starting, including your plan you put together with your doctor, a picture of your embryo from that morning, and PGS testing done on the embryo (depending if you tested or not.) You will then see your ID on the screen confirming verification of the embryo. Once verified you will see your embryo in real time under the microscope. From there we start with the transfer process, which is when you’ll see the embryo placed in the uterus on the ultrasound monitor. Part 3: After Your Embryo TransferThe most important thing to do after your transfer is follow the IVF protocol given to you by your Care Team. Assume you are pregnant until proven otherwise (a term commonly known in the fertility community as #PUPO).
With that in mind, only take Tylenol or Tylenol Extra Strength if you experience any discomfort following your transfer, and continue with your prescribed medication regimen.
You don't need to be on bed rest, but we do recommend light activity the day of transfer and day after transfer. No going in a hot tub, jacuzzi, or hot bath. We also recommend no sexual intercourse until your pregnancy test.
Your official pregnancy test will take place approximately nine days after embryo transfer.
Depending on the results, your Care Team will instruct you on next steps.
After embryo transfer, increasing blood flow to the uterus helps improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Here are some ways to increase blood flow:
Always consult your doctor or nurse for specific recommendations!
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Whether this is your first embryo transfer or your fifth, we know that you're probably feeling an intense mix of emotions right now. Embryo transfer day is a big milestone on your fertility journey, and one that you've worked so hard to get to.
Remember that you've already done everything you can to make this IVF treatment cycle a success, and now it's time to step back and let your fertility doctor and Care Team guide you through this next stage of the process.
We're all rooting for you and wishing you the best on your journey to parenthood.