Types of Embryo Transfers and What You Should Expect During the Procedure

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IVF can be a long journey with unexpected detours and roadblocks. The process starts with fertility tests to diagnose and planning before treatments are carried out. The thought of having your doctor transfer the embryo to your uterus will feel like a dream, far on the horizon. Embryo transfer will be the highest point in your IVF process. After the transfer, your thoughts will be on a rollercoaster, thinking of what you should and should not do as you wait impatiently to find out if the process was successful. The skilled professionals at California Center for Reproductive Health help patients achieve their dreams of having children through IVF / embryo transfer in Santa Monica.

How long will you have to wait for an embryo transfer?

Your timing is highly variable. The transfer depends on whether you are proceeding with a frozen embryo or a fresh embryo. Fresh embryo transfer will take you approximately five days after your doctor retrieves your eggs. During the waiting phase, your doctor will mix your eggs and the sperm to allow fertilization. After five days, your embryo(s) is/are ready for transfer. Your doctor will expect you to take a pregnancy test approximately 9 days after the transfer.

Your doctor will use your frozen embryos from your previous IVF cycle during a frozen embryo transfer. Since your doctor froze your eggs, the process could take roughly 3-4 weeks after your menstrual flow. Once the expert makes sure you are starting a new cycle, he will prescribe you medication for approximately 2-3 weeks to thicken and optimize your uterine lining for implantation. Your doctor will request an ultrasound in your mid-cycle to assess your uterine lining before he instructs you to start intramuscular progesterone injections and vaginal progesterone inserts. Your doctor will do the transfer approximately six days after your progesterone treatment and request a pregnancy test roughly 9 days after the transfer.

What should you expect during embryo transfer?

Embryo transfer does not need any anesthesia. Therefore, your doctor will allow you to eat light meals preceding your scheduled appointment. Since the transfer will require you to have a full bladder, your doctor will advise you to take enough fluids before the procedure. After a series of verifications to make sure your doctor has the suitable embryo(s), the professional will load the embryo(s) into a catheter before inserting it into your uterus through your vagina and cervix, with the help of ultrasound imaging.

After the painless transfer, your doctor will advise you to rest for a few minutes before you get up, empty your bladder and head home. Though you will not have bed rest, you are likely to have minor restrictions. Your doctor will suggest you avoid Jacuzzis, hot baths, and heating pads.

Embryo transfer is quite an eventful process because of the various fertility tests, appointments, and injections you will need. However, IVF embryo transfer is an effective process to begin your family. Schedule an appointment today or book an appointment with the reproductive experts at California Center for Reproductive Health and find out about your options to carry a pregnancy.

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