IVF Treatment - Embryo transfer

Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that is performed in the transfer room adjoining the laboratory. Partners are welcome to attend. We ask the woman to insert a progesterone pessary the night before the embryo transfer and not to wear perfume on the day (it interferes with embryo growth in our laboratory). The embryos are transferred into the uterus via a very fine catheter passed through the cervix. It is described by patients as similar to having a Pap smear. If Assisted Hatching (see later) is to occur, this is performed on the day of transfer.

It is worth mentioning here that we usually only transfer 1 or 2 embryos and this is discussed and documented on the Specific Treatment Cycle Agreement (STCA) Form before each treatment attempt.

Following embryo transfer we suggest a return to normal activities - including work and sex. In an effort to keep the hormone levels suitable for the embryo(s) to implant, further injections of hCG and/or progesterone pessaries are necessary during the 2 weeks before a pregnancy test can be performed. The choice and dose of medication will be determined by the hormone levels and prior to leaving the Day Surgery/Hospital the treatment plan is reconfirmed by our staff and included in these instructions is the date for the pregnancy test.

Illustration by courtesy of Serono Australia

We do not recommend the use of urinary pregnancy test kits, especially if the patient is having hCG injections, as they will give an incorrect reading that could result in subsequent disappointment. The only reliable pregnancy test is a blood test. If the pregnancy test is positive, we arrange a vaginal ultrasound scan a week or two later. Usually the patients then return to their General Practitioner to obtain a referral to an Obstetrician, or hospital, of their choice for the supervision of the pregnancy.