{"id":68371,"date":"2022-10-12T14:33:40","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T13:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fertilityroad.com\/?p=68371"},"modified":"2024-03-26T14:19:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T14:19:50","slug":"embryo-transfer-how-best-to-prepare-for-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fertilityroad.com\/nl\/mag\/embryo-transfer-how-best-to-prepare-for-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Embryotransplantatie - Hoe bereid ik me het beste voor?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What to expect when it\u2019s time for your embryo transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve come through the first three important stages of IVF \u2013 ovarian stimulation, egg recovery and insemination, and now it\u2019s time for the fourth and final stage \u2013 embryo transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different types of transfer: fresh, frozen, cleavage (day two or three), blastocyst (day five or six), single, and multiple embryo transfer. Your IVF clinic will be able to advise you about the type of transfer that is most appropriate for you based on how many embryos develop, the health of those embryos and your IVF history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to prepare for your embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people often worriedly ask how to prepare for embryo transfer<\/a>. On the day of your embryo transfer, it\u2019s fine to shower as usual in the morning. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove and don\u2019t wear any fragrances, or perfumed body lotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assuming your transfer is going ahead without you being sedated (in some cases sedation is given, but it\u2019s worth bearing in mind that this usually attracts an additional charge by the clinic) you can eat and drink as normal beforehand: Try and drink a few glasses of water before you arrive to the center as you will be asked to keep a moderately full bladder, as this allows good ultrasound visualization of the catheter used to transfer the embryo(s), and position of the uterus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are opting to be sedated, follow any advice your clinic gives you about when your last meal and drink should be before the procedure. Take any medications that have been prescribed for you exactly as instructed, but you may be asked to refrain from taking anything that is inserted vaginally (such as a pessary) the morning of the transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will happen before your embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you arrive at your clinic, you will be taken to the admission area where a nurse will issue paperwork for you to complete. If you have received the consent forms electronically before the day of transfer, ensure you have read and signed them \u2013 and of course have them with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In preparation for the transfer, your physician and the embryologist will discuss the number, grade and quality of embryo(s) to be transferred and you will be advised if there are supernumerary (spare) embryos which would be suitable for freezing on the same day as the transfer. Your physician will also advise if they believe any of these embryos need to be observed until the following day before a decision to freeze them is made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most clinics offer patients the option of freezing spare embryos, but not all embryos survive the procedure and implantation rates may be lower than with embryos which are transferred fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens during your embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The embryo transfer itself is actually a simple procedure. Prior to the transfer, the physician and the embryologist will confirm your name and date-of-birth to make sure it matches the identifying information on the embryo(s). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your physician will insert a speculum into your vagina (similar to taking a smear test) to visualise the cervix, which will then be cleaned gently to remove any mucous and discharge. They will then insert a long, thin catheter containing the embryo(s), along with a small amount of culture media, which are then passed through the cervix into the uterus, where the embryo(s) are released. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your physician will perform a transabdominal ultrasound simultaneously as the transfer is performed to ensure optimal placement of the embryo(s) inside the uterus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For most women, the procedure isn\u2019t painful, but it is entirely normal to feel minor to mild discomfort from the speculum, or from having a full bladder. After your clinician has completed the embryo transfer you will be asked to lie on your back to rest for a short time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need additional medications your fertility team may dispense them on the day of your transfer, or give you a prescription to get them from your local pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single or multiple embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the past, it was usual for multiple embryos to be transferred to give IVF patients a better chance of at least one successful implantation. However, there is significantly greater risk from multiple pregnancies, so nowadays, unless there is a sound clinical reason for doing so, generally physicians only transfer single embryos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have concerns about single embryo transfer, you should speak to your clinician who will be able to explain in detail what is being recommended for you and why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects you may experience after your embryo transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can expect to experience some minor side effects after your procedure. These may include minimal vaginal spotting immediately after the transfer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also experience minimal vaginal spotting a few days prior to the date of your pregnancy test, menstrual-like cramps and bloating, pelvic and\/or lower back pain and some mild soreness in your vaginal area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you are home and until the date of your pregnancy test <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be able to go home after your embryo transfer and you will be advised to take things easy and rest for the remainder of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should continue with your hormone medications as advised by your fertility team until the date of your pregnancy test; this is usually 10-12 days after your embryo transfer. You can expect to resume your normal activities and work the day after your transfer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, continue to take all medications as instructed by your fertility team. You may be offered progesterone pessaries, gels, or injections after your embryo transfer to support the lining of your womb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are also taking any pain relief, or medication for a high temperature, nausea, or constipation, these may be allowed, but be sure to consult with your physician first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t do any vigorous physical activity or go swimming and avoid sexual intercourse in the days between your transfer and pregnancy test. Also avoid any activity that raises your body temperature, such as having a sauna, massage, steam room, jacuzzi, hot yoga, or heat pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also avoid all alcohol, smoking and caffeine, prolonged sun exposure and late nights. Take the time to relax and connect with your partner and friends in the waiting time between transfer and pregnancy test, and try to maintain a calm, positive outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons for cancelling the embryo transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes your clinical team may decide to postpone or cancel your embryo transfer. There are several reasons why they may decide this is the right thing to do. These may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n