Embryo Transfer Procedure in In-Vitro Fertilization

What is Embryo Transfer?
Embryo transfer is the last step of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The procedure is considered to be the most simple and final step of IVF, giving a ray of hope for infertile couples. The objective of this procedure is to help mother-to-be to get pregnant following fertilization of the eggs in the laboratory condition. Being one of the most effective assisted reproduction procedure, the success of embryo transfer is totally depend on skills of physician. No matter, how best the entire fertilization process be, the success of a healthy pregnancy is very much depended on the successful transfer of embryo into the women's uterus.

When does the procedure takes place?
In general, after 48-72 hours of the retrieval, embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus when they are in two-eight cell stage.

Explain the procedure for embryo transfer.
In this procedure, a patient is requested to come with a full bladder. A full bladder helps the performing physician to monitor the activities of the uterus on an abdominal sonogram. After monitoring of the uterus, a physician loads pre-decided numbers of embryos into a fine catheter and passes it through the cervix. With the help of a sonogram, a physician spots the best place at the top of the uterus and carefully transfer the loaded embryos to that place. Once the embryos are transferred to its place, the patient is asked to take good rest. Although, the procedure is painless, some women might feel mild cramps.

Is medication required for improving the chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy?
The medication varies with individual requirements. Not for every case, medication is needed for ensuring better results. Usually, a patient is given a hCG injection after the transfer phase to facilitate ovaries to produce more porgesterone during the embryonic implantation phase.