Embryo transferis the fertilized egg implantation into the womb (uterus).
It is integral to thein vitro fertilization(IVF) process.
The purpose of an embryo transfer is to assist a person in becoming pregnant.
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An embryo transfer is usually performed in a healthcare providers office and can result in pregnancy.
There are some risks and precautions with the procedure.
This article discusses what to expect before, during, and after an embryo transfer procedure.
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What Is an Embryo Transfer?
Anembryotransfer is implanting a fertilized egg (embryo) into the uterus.
If the embryo implants into the uterine wall,pregnancywill occur.
When Is an Embryo Transfer Needed?
Most healthcare providers recommend seeking medical help forinfertilityafter trying to conceive for one year.
If you are older than 35, see your provider after six months of trying to get pregnant.
During IVF, you will be given fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to release healthy eggs.
Your healthcare provider will remove the eggs during an egg retrieval procedure.
They will then send the eggs to the lab to be fertilized withsperm.
Once the eggs multiply, the embryos are ready to be transferred.
Your healthcare provider will likely perform the embryo transfer in an outpatient clinic.
The procedure may feel similar to aPap smear test.
Your provider inserts a speculum into thevaginaand gently expands it.
This keeps the vaginal walls open during the procedure.
They will use the catheter to pass the embryo into the uterus.
An embryo transfer is usually not painful, but the speculum may feel uncomfortable.
Most people do not receive anesthesia or pain medications.
After the Transfer
An embryo transfer is an outpatient procedure.
Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe to sit up and go home.
It is expected to feel abdominal cramping orbloatingafter an embryo transfer.
Somevaginal dischargeis also considered normal.
Call your healthcare provider if you experiencevaginal bleedingafter an embryo transfer.
They will ask you to return to the clinic in two weeks to determine if the transfer was successful.
The embryo transfer does not take long and should not be painful.
It tends to be an easier experience than IVF.
Types of embryo transfers include:
How Many Embryos Are Transferred?
Your healthcare provider may recommend transferring one or more embryos into the uterus during an embryo transfer.
A single embryo transfer is usually recommended for healthy people ages 35 and younger.
Transferring one embryo reduces the risk of becoming pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc).
People with a higher risk ofmiscarriagemay receive more than one embryo during the transfer.
A high-load transfer refers to three or more embryos.
Risks of multiples include premature labor,premature birth, and low birth weight.
Success Rates of Embryo Transfers
The success rates for embryo transfers have increased over time.
In 2011, the success rate for a singleton birth (one baby) for IVF was 22.7%.
In 2020, the success rate was 34.5%.
The percentage of embryo transfers that result in multiple births has decreased.
In 2011, 8.4% of people gave birth to twins after IVF.
In 2020, the percentage of twins was 2.3%, and the percentage of triplets was 0.05%.
This decrease is likely related to the increased use of single embryo transfers.
The most significant risk is becoming pregnant with multiples.
This raises the risk of several pregnancy and birth complications.
Healthcare providers usually perform embryo transfers in outpatient clinics.
While the procedure should not feel painful, discomfort is possible.
Cramping and bloating after the procedure are normal.
It is expected to feel emotional about this procedure.
Seek support from your partner, friends, family members, and healthcare providers as often as possible.
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