Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may help couples and individuals battling fertility problems become parents. Understanding and deciding which fertility therapy to pursue may be a stressful and emotional process for intending parents to start their IVF journey.

The last procedure before the blood pregnancy test for intending parents having IVF is an embryo transfer. However, what does an embryo transfer involve, and what are your options once the big day arrives?

What Is Involved In An Embryo Transfer?

An IVF embryo transfer is simply the process of taking a fertilized sperm and egg and implanting the newly created embryo into a woman’s uterus. Because the location of the embryos inside the uterus has to be exact, your fertility specialist will use an ultrasound to assist the transfer.

Since the ultrasound allows your reproductive specialist to see exactly where the catheter should go, they can limit the chance of the catheter hitting your cervix. If this happens, don’t worry; you’ll simply feel a little cramping.

Embryo transfers, which are a component of the in vitro fertilization process, can greatly boost the odds of intended parents becoming pregnant. IVF is often used by those who are suffering from female or male factor infertility, or both to produce a successful pregnancy and delivery.

Why Do Intended Parents Choose Embryo Transfers?

While the cause(s) of infertility might be unclear, your fertility specialist will collaborate with you to figure out what’s causing your infertility and how to become pregnant.

Embryo transfers are an ideal alternative for parents who have:

Fallopian tube blockage or damage. The egg may struggle to get fertilized and migrate to the uterus if the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.

Ovulation disorders. Irregular or absent menstrual periods suggest fewer eggs are accessible for fertilization, making it more difficult to get pregnant naturally.

Uterine fibroids. These are benign tumors on the uterine wall that could impede embryo implantation, which is needed for a healthy pregnancy.

Poor sperm motility. Male factor infertility is frequent, affecting one-third of all marriages. ICSI fertilization of the egg may lead to a possible embryo for implantation.

The Process Overview For Embryo Transfer

The IVF embryo transfer process is comparable to a pap smear in that it is a quick procedure that takes from 15-30 minutes. During this process, a fertility doctor will use ultrasonography to introduce a speculum into the woman’s vagina. A doctor will next insert a catheter into the womb via the cervix. The embryos are then transported down the tube and into the womb.

Following the transfer, you’ll have around one hour to lay back and relax and rest. However, since it is not a very intrusive process, you might not need this downtime. The complete treatment, including relaxation time, takes about 2-4 hours in total.

What To Expect After Your Embryo Transfer

After each session, your fertility clinic will provide you with thorough instructions to help you feel at ease and sure that you’re managing yourself in the days immediately prior to the pregnancy test post-embryo transfer.

Some experts advise 24-hour bed rest after a procedure, while others advise using low-impact exercise to increase the flow of blood to the uterus and increase the chances of conception.

Strenuous activity, sex, and bathing, on the other hand, must be avoided. Maintain a stress-free lifestyle during the embryo transfer procedure, and act as though you’re pregnant, complete with meals!

Wait 2 weeks before having a pregnancy test after the transfer.

Although it may be enticing to take a PT just a few days after the embryo transfer, fertility clinics highly advise waiting until the standard two-week timeframe to guarantee reliable results and to handle the emotions that are anticipated throughout this procedure.