Pregnancy - The Procedure of Embryo Transfer
Replacing the embryos is one of the most important procedures in the whole of IVF.
Unfortunately it is also one of the least understood - and the least successful.
Belying its importance, embryo transfer is, on the surface at least, a very simple procedure, and is usually conducted on an out-patient basis.
Most women find it relatively, if not completely, painless, very similar to a smear test.
No anaesthetic or pain-killer is needed, and the woman's partner can be present.
She lies on a bed with her legs as for a standard gynaecological examination, or in stirrups.
A speculum is inserted.
Then the embryos, loaded into a catheter, are brought through from the laboratory.
The catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
The embryos are expelled and the catheter withdrawn and handed back to the embryologist who checks it microscopically to ensure that they have all been transferred.
The entire operation is carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible to cause the embryos the minimum trauma.
It usually takes only a matter of minutes, though there can occasionally be problems.
After the completion of the transfer the woman is usually left to rest for a while before going home.
However, neither this, nor resting later at home, has any proven value in helping to ensure success.
Progesterone supplements are usually provided, but their value is disputed.
Common-sense steps such as rest, avoiding stress or excessive exercise are also generally thought to be of little value - although it can make the woman feel better to think she is doing something to boost her chances of becoming pregnant.
Unfortunately it is also one of the least understood - and the least successful.
Belying its importance, embryo transfer is, on the surface at least, a very simple procedure, and is usually conducted on an out-patient basis.
Most women find it relatively, if not completely, painless, very similar to a smear test.
No anaesthetic or pain-killer is needed, and the woman's partner can be present.
She lies on a bed with her legs as for a standard gynaecological examination, or in stirrups.
A speculum is inserted.
Then the embryos, loaded into a catheter, are brought through from the laboratory.
The catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
The embryos are expelled and the catheter withdrawn and handed back to the embryologist who checks it microscopically to ensure that they have all been transferred.
The entire operation is carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible to cause the embryos the minimum trauma.
It usually takes only a matter of minutes, though there can occasionally be problems.
After the completion of the transfer the woman is usually left to rest for a while before going home.
However, neither this, nor resting later at home, has any proven value in helping to ensure success.
Progesterone supplements are usually provided, but their value is disputed.
Common-sense steps such as rest, avoiding stress or excessive exercise are also generally thought to be of little value - although it can make the woman feel better to think she is doing something to boost her chances of becoming pregnant.