Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?When Is It Needed?What to ExpectTypes of TransfersNumber of EmbryosSuccess RatesRisks and Precautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
When Is It Needed?
What to Expect
Types of Transfers
Number of Embryos
Success Rates
Risks and Precautions
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. People who have difficulty conceiving may choose to try an embryo transfer as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
An embryo transfer is usually performed in a healthcare provider’s 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. The egg is fertilized in a lab, and once the embryos are ready, a healthcare provider places them in the uterus. If the embryo implants into the uterine wall,pregnancywill occur.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an embryo transfer if you have not been able to conceive naturally.Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns)with special infertility training usually perform embryo transfers.
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.
An embryo transfer may be a good fit for you if you have certain conditions that prevent you from getting pregnant naturally.The following conditions may cause infertility and could benefit from assisted reproductive technology:
Why Fertility Patients Need to Take Estrogen During IVF Cycle
What to Expect Before, During, and After an Embryo Transfer
An embryo transfer is part of the IVF process. 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.
The Process of an Embryo Transfer
About two to three days before the scheduled transfer, your healthcare provider will determine which embryos are the most likely to result in pregnancy (most viable).They may perform metabolic profiling to assess the embryos' health.
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.
Using ultrasound for guidance, your provider will pass a catheter (small tube) through thecervixand into the uterus. 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.
A Word From VerywellWhile the IVF process is very personalized, the embryo transfer experience is similar for all who go through it. The embryo transfer does not take long and should not be painful. It tends to be an easier experience than IVF.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
While the IVF process is very personalized, the embryo transfer experience is similar for all who go through it. The embryo transfer does not take long and should not be painful. It tends to be an easier experience than IVF.—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
While the IVF process is very personalized, the embryo transfer experience is similar for all who go through it. The embryo transfer does not take long and should not be painful. It tends to be an easier experience than IVF.
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Types of Embryo Transfer
There are different types of embryo transfers, and your healthcare provider will recommend one based on the cause of infertility, your age, and your overall health.
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. When determining the number of embryos to transfer, they will consider your age, health, and likelihood of becoming pregnant.
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 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.
Several factors impact the success of an embryo transfer, including:
Risks and Precautions of Embryo Transfers
Embryo transfers and IVF come with risks and are not safe for everyone. The most significant risk is becoming pregnant with multiples. This raises the risk of several pregnancy and birth complications. Fortunately, the risk of multiples from IVF has decreased as healthcare providers have moved toward one embryo transfer, as opposed to several in one transfer.
Possible risks of a pregnancy with multiple fetuses include:
Possible risks of all types of embryo transfers include:
Summary
An embryo transfer is crucial to the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. During an embryo transfer, an ob-gyn transfers a fertilized egg (embryo) into a person’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
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.
18 Sources
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