IVF Series Part 5: Embryo Transfer

Natalist’s Guide to IVF is an easy-to-understand, comprehensive explanation of IVF intended to demystify the process and empower you to take charge of your IVF journey. Chapter six of the book is titled Step by step: How IVF works. Today we’ll be giving you a sneak peek of the sixth out of seven steps Halle outlines in the book.  

Embryo Transfer

Ah, transfer day! This is one of the most exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking, moments during IVF! You will get to see your embryo and watch on the screen as the doctor transfers it from the lab to your uterus.

If you’re doing a frozen embryo transfer, you’ll spend about three weeks preparing for the transfer day. Depending on your specific clinic and diagnosis, you can do a natural cycle transfer or a medicated transfer. In a natural cycle transfer, the embryo is transferred after your natural ovulation. In a medicated transfer, you take about 2 weeks of estrogen to thicken your uterine lining. Once the lining reaches an optimal thickness (typically > 7mm) your doctor will prescribe progesterone to prepare for your embryo transfer. [1-2] Progesterone is often given in an intramuscular (IM) injection. The IM injection can be uncomfortable so be sure to ask your clinic for tips to make it more tolerable.  [1-2] 

The embryo transfer is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. But before it begins, you will be asked to have a full bladder [1-2]. It can take a while to get a full bladder, especially if you can’t hold it long enough and need to start over! 

Before the procedure begins, some doctors may give you a mild sedative to help you relax [1-2]. You will then lie on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. The embryo, which has been previously selected based on its quality and viability, is placed in a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is then passed into your uterus. The embryo is then gently pushed out of the catheter and into the uterus to hopefully snuggle in and implant. [3-4]

Preparing for the transfer

There are several steps that you can take to prepare for the embryo transfer:

• Review your treatment plan
• Take your medications as prescribed
• Follow a healthy lifestyle
• Follow your clinic’s instructions 

Halle Tecco, Natalist founder, has put together an e-book inspired by her own IVF journey with hopes of demystifying the process and empowering readers with the information they need to take charge of their IVF journey. Guide to IVF has been medically reviewed by Dr. Dana McQueen, an experienced OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist. 

Want to keep reading? You can gain access to this full section by purchasing the e-book here, which includes even more helpful checklists, charts, tips, and expert advice. A downloadable PDF will be emailed to you after purchase. 

Preview more sections:

• IVF Series Part 1: Natalist Guide to IVF Book
• IVF Series Part 2: How Infertility Works
• IVF Series Part 3: Overview of IVF Prep and Paperwork
• IVF Series Part 4: The Egg Retrieval Process

Sources:

1. D'Angelo A, Panayotidis C, Alteri A, Mcheik S, Veleva Z. Evidence and consensus on technical aspects of embryo transfer. Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(4):hoac038. Published 2022 Sep 6. doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac038
2. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Electronic address: ASRM@asrm.org; Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Performing the embryo transfer: a guideline. Fertil Steril. 2017;107(4):882-896. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.025
3. What happens IVF. National Health Services. October 18, 2021. Accessed May 2023. URL 
4. Kava-Braverman A, Martínez F, Rodríguez I, Álvarez M, Barri PN, Coroleu B. What is a difficult transfer? Analysis of 7,714 embryo transfers: the impact of maneuvers during embryo transfers on pregnancy rate and a proposal of objective assessment. Fertil Steril. 2017;107(3):657-663.e1. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.020