Embryo transfer typically occurs 3 to 5 days
after egg
retrieval and fertilization. The procedure usually takes just 10 to 15 minutes, with an
additional 30-minute rest period. Sedation is not required but the patient is
required to have a mildly full bladder so the physician can visualize the
uterus using an abdominal sonogram.
The physician prepares the patient by
inserting a speculum to widen the cervix, and swabbing it with a non-toxic
solution. The embryologist loads the selected embryo(s) into a specially
designed embryo transfer catheter, a very soft, flexible plastic tube. When
the patient is appropriately prepared, the embryologist delivers the catheter
containing the embryos to the procedure room.
During the procedure, the physician gently
threads the catheter through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. Once
complete, the embryologist examines the catheter to confirm that all embryos
were deposited into the uterus. Patients are required to rest for
approximately 30 minutes before being discharged. A small amount of watery
discharge is likely post-transfer; this is the fluid that was used to clean
the cervix, and is not the culture medium that was transferred with the
embryos.
The transfer of more than one embryo
increases the likelihood of establishing a pregnancy. However, the risk of
multiple pregnancy increases as more embryos are replaced. Factors affecting
the likelihood of pregnancy (and multiple pregnancy) include the patient’s
age, embryo quality, the specific cause(s) of infertility and a couple’s
reproductive history.
Couples have an opportunity to discuss their personal preferences related to
embryo transfer with their physician prior to the start of the IVF cycle. At
the time of the embryo transfer, the physician will discuss the quality of the
embryos and the probability of pregnancy and multiple pregnancy.
