Embryo transfer

The last step in IVF/ICSI treatment, before a pregnancy test, is the transfer of the blastocyst.

Embryo transfer means that the fertilised (blastocyst) egg is placed back into the uterus where we hope it will develop into a pregnancy.

Read more about how the procedure works.

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Embryo on a screen

From egg cell to blastocyst

After egg retrieval, the mature eggs are fertilised in the laboratory. Here, our experienced embryologists will monitor the development of the fertilised eggs every day.

The goal is for the fertilised eggs to reach the blastocyst stage.

The blastocyst stage is reached on day 5, 6 (or 7) of the fertilised egg’s development. Once an egg has made it to this 5th day in a fresh treatment, the embryo transfer can take place.

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Embryo transfer on day 5 after egg retrieval

A so-called “fresh transfer” (without freezing) can be scheduled in the same cycle as your egg retrieval.

It will also be possible to schedule the transfer of the blastocyst for another cycle if you prefer. In this case, it is a frozen embryo transfer (FET/FER).

Learn more about frozen embryo transfer

Fresh embryo transfer

During a fresh transfer, our experienced embryologists will select the most promising embryo for achieving pregnancy. If multiple embryos reach the blastocyst stage, we can freeze them on days 5 and 6 for potential future use.

Only one embryo will be transferred at a time unless otherwise agreed upon with the fertility doctor.

The fresh embryo transfer procedure

On the day of the transfer, you should arrive at the clinic with a full bladder. This helps us obtain a clear ultrasound image during the procedure, which is performed to ensure precise placement of the embryo in the uterus.

The embryo is transferred using a small, soft catheter inserted into the uterus. For most patients, this procedure is completely painless.

After the embryo transfer

Take it easy

There’s no need to worry about doing something wrong in the days following the transfer procedure. However, it’s a good idea to take it easy and avoid strenuous physical activities or exercise.

To reduce the risk of infection, you should also avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, and seawater for 48 hours after the transfer.

It is completely normal to experience mild discomfort, such as a sense of pressure in the lower abdomen, occasional twinges from the ovaries, and bloating for 1–2 weeks after the procedure.

Hormone supplements

To increase the chances of the embryo implanting in the uterine lining, you will receive a progesterone supplement in the form of suppositories or injections. You should continue taking this until the pregnancy test.

The pregnancy test is performed via a blood sample 10 days after the embryo transfer. Based on the blood test (hCG) results, we will guide you on the next steps.

If you are pregnant, we will offer an ultrasound approximately three weeks after the blood test to confirm the pregnancy and its development.

Explanation of IUI and IVF treatment with uterus figure

Frequently asked questions about embryo transfer

Embryo transfer is the process of placing a fertilised egg back into the uterus during IVF/ICSI treatment. 

Fresh embryo transfer happens in the same cycle as egg retrieval, while frozen eggs are transferred in a later cycle after being frozen. Read more about frozen embryo transfer here.

For the vast majority of women, the transfer of the fertilised egg will be a discomfort-free procedure.

After the embryo transfer, you should take it easy and avoid strenuous activities and infection risks such as bathing and swimming for 48 hours.

Assisted Hatching (AHA) is a technique that helps the egg “hatch” by making a small hole in the membrane surrounding the egg to increase the chances of implantation. You can read more about the Assisted Hatching technique here.

Endometrial Scratching is a technique that prepares the lining of the uterus to receive the fertilised egg to increase the chances of the implantation. Learn more about the scratching technique here.

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