Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a simple, quick and painless procedure, which normally takes about 15 minutes to perform and rarely requires sedation. The fertilised embryos are placed into a fine, soft catheter and then inserted by the doctor into the womb, through the vagina and the cervix. The catheter is then examined under a microscope to make sure that the embryos have been transferred successfully.
Post Embryo Transfer - at the Clinic
Following the transfer we usually recommend that you lie down and relax
for a little while before discussing the next steps with Dr Ndukwe and
your fertilty nurse.
You may want to consider having a short session of appropriate acupuncture at this stage as well. Published data reviewing the contribution that acupuncture immediately after the transfer can make to a cycle's success is mixed, however our own experience of it is very positive and we strongly recommend it to all our clients. The results of an audit of almost 400 of our clients who had IVF treatment elsewhere, and had post transfer acupuncture with us as well, showed an almost 50% increase in overall success rates compared to the best results delivered by the highest performing IVF centre in the UK.
Post Embryo Transfer - at home
Once you have left the clinic and gone home you will need to have additional hormone treatment (progesterone) until a pregnancy test is performed 14 - 16 days after the egg collection. This helps to prepare the lining of the womb to accept the implantation of the embryo. Progesterone can be administered as an injection, or in the form of vaginal or anal pessaries or as a suppository.
It is very important to try and keep as relaxed as possible during this period, though this is, obviously, more easily said than done. Zita has recorded a special CD to help our clients relax and think positively during this "two week wait" which we give, free of charge, to everyone who is going through our Assisted Fertility Programme. If you are having treatment elsewhere you can, of course, buy the CD from our on-line shop (click here).
