Stage 7 – Your Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer usually takes place 3 days after the egg collection and is a simple procedure similar to a smear test. It may cause some minimal discomfort.

Using a vaginal speculum, the medical consultant exposes the cervix (neck of the womb), which is then cleaned. The culture medium containing the embryos is loaded in a thin plastic tube called a catheter with a syringe on one end. The doctor carefully guides the catheter through the vagina and cervix, and deposits the embryos into the uterus.

We typically transfer two embryos in accordance with UK regulations. We are aware that multiple pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and
complications during pregnancy. High quality embryos remaining after the transfer can be frozen for use at a later date.

After your embryo transfer you can return home to the UK and continue your normal daily activities, although prolonged strenuous exercise or activity is not recommended. The embryos are quite safe within the uterus and you can walk, bathe, shower and undertake normal daily activities. Sexual intercourse can be resumed whenever you feel like it.

For fourteen days following the embryo transfer you should continue to take Oestradiol Valerate (Progynova) as before, plus daily progesterone (Cyclogest).