What is an Embryo Transfer Like?

Answers to common questions

Subject matter expert: I have had five embryo transfers.

The following are common questions and answers regarding what to expect during an embryo transfer.

How long does an embryo transfer take?

The procedure, alone, only takes a few minutes.

Does an embryo transfer require anesthesia?

Usually, no. Many women feel a little discomfort, some feel pain but, fortunately, it is short-lived. I prefer to take a pain reliever and an anti-anxiety pill thirty minutes before; you can ask your doctor to give you this.

What can I do to prepare for my embryo transfer?

Besides the meds, your clinic will ask that you have a full or half-full bladder, as it makes it easier to see everything.

What happens when I arrive to the clinic for my embryo transfer?

Before or after the procedure, you will have a discussion with your doctor or nurse. In Sweden, we were given a little room to get ready in, with robes, surgical caps, and booties for our feet. In Finland, we went straight into the transfer room where they, simply, told me to take off my pants. I found this to be typical in doctor’s offices in Europe.

Who is in the transfer room during my embryo transfer?

Then there is usually a doctor, a nurse, and an embryologist in the transfer room.

What is the process of embryo transfer?

When you’re settled in the chair, the doctor does a vaginal ultrasound by inserting a probe into your vagina (I’m sure you’re quite familiar with these at this point) to look at your uterus and your endometrial lining.

Then, a speculum is placed to open the vagina. In Sweden, they preferred not to use lubrication, so it could be a little rough, but they did in Finland, which was easier. Next, a long catheter is slowly inserted, which passes through the cervix into the uterus. For me, this sometimes creates a sharp pain for a second, and then some light cramping sets in. And then it’s over!

How will I feel on the day of the embryo transfer?

Transfer day can feel quite emotional because it’s the moment your embryo leaves the lab and enters your body. You hope that you’ll be pregnant very soon!

Can I have someone in the room with me during an embryo transfer?

I prefer to have my partner next to me the whole time. He lets me grip his hand. I highly recommend having a loved one there with you. Sometimes the embryologist shows you your tiny blastocyst on a screen. Then they confirm that your name and date of birth matches the label on the tube.

I hope this was informative and helped you to know what to expect during an embryo transfer. If you have any questions or need some guidance, feel free to contact me at Jess@InfertilityandMS.com. I wish you the best of luck!