Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is the procedure in which a carefully selected embryo is placed into the uterine cavity. It is a brief but precisely planned stage of IVF treatment, supported by days of medical preparation, laboratory work, and monitoring.
The transfer may be performed using a fresh or frozen embryo, depending on the individual treatment plan.

Duration

A few minutes

Stay at the Clinic

Not required (you may remain at the clinic briefly afterwards)

Feeling

Usually painless

The Embryo Is Placed into the Uterus Through a Thin Catheter

What Is Embryo Transfer?

How Is It done?

The embryo is placed into the uterine cavity through a thin, flexible catheter.
The procedure is usually performed under ultrasound guidance and does not require anaesthesia.
The embryologist prepares the selected embryo, after which the catheter is handed to the doctor.

What Is Important to Know?

Before the transfer, checks are performed to confirm the patient’s identity, the embryo, and the medical plan.
After the transfer, the embryo continues its development and, if implantation occurs, attaches to the endometrium.
A precise transfer is important, but it cannot guarantee pregnancy. The outcome also depends on the embryo, the uterine environment, and individual factors.

Embryo Transfer

How Do We Prepare the Uterus for Embryo Transfer?

To determine the appropriate timing, we monitor the condition of the endometrium and, when necessary, hormonal parameters. Preparation depends on whether a fresh or frozen embryo transfer is planned.

1
Preparation for a Fresh Transfer

For a fresh transfer, endometrial preparation takes place as part of the stimulated IVF cycle. After egg retrieval, treatment is prescribed to support the luteal phase and create suitable conditions for embryo transfer.
Before the procedure, we assess whether the patient’s condition after stimulation allows us to continue within the same cycle. If there is a medical reason to postpone the transfer, we will explain why we recommend freezing the embryos.
2
Preparation for a Frozen Embryo Transfer

A frozen embryo transfer may be planned in either a natural or a medically prepared cycle.
In a natural cycle, we monitor follicular development, ovulation, and the endometrium. With a medicated approach, hormonal treatment is prescribed to control preparation of the uterine lining.
The transfer date is coordinated with the stage of embryo development and the duration of progesterone exposure. This is why it is important to take all prescribed medication exactly according to the recommended schedule.

How Do We Select the Embryo for Transfer?

During laboratory culture, the embryologist monitors embryo development at specific stages. The stage of development, the rate of cell division, and visible morphological characteristics are assessed.
This evaluation helps us select the embryo with the most appropriate characteristics for the specific transfer. However, appearance alone cannot determine with certainty whether an embryo will implant or result in a live birth.
When genetic testing has been performed, the result is also taken into account when selecting the embryo. Genetic testing of an embryo does not guarantee pregnancy but provides additional information when specific medical indications are present.

How Many Embryos Are Transferred?

The aim of reproductive treatment is not simply to achieve a positive pregnancy test. We strive for a safe pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.
Transferring more embryos may increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancy. This is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and complications for both the mother and the babies.
When medically appropriate, transferring one carefully selected embryo is the preferred approach. The decision takes into account the woman’s age at the time the eggs were retrieved, the stage and assessment of the embryo, previous treatment, and the results of any genetic testing.
The recommendation is individual and is discussed with you before the procedure. Transferring more embryos does not automatically mean a better or safer chance of success.

On Which Day Is the Embryo Transfer Performed?

Embryo transfer may be performed at different stages of embryo development. Most commonly, transfer is considered either during the cleavage stage or at the blastocyst stage.

The choice is not made automatically. It depends on the number and development of the embryos, the reproductive history, and the treatment plan. The embryology team monitors development and, together with the doctor, determines the most appropriate timing for the individual case.

Why Is Embryo Transfer Sometimes Postponed?

Delaying the transfer does not necessarily mean that something has gone wrong. Sometimes it is the safer or more appropriate medical decision.

Transfer may be postponed because of the condition of the endometrium, the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, the need for genetic testing, hormonal findings, or another medical reason. In such cases, suitable embryos can be frozen and transferred in a subsequent cycle under more appropriate conditions.

What Should You Know Before and After Embryo Transfer?

Before the procedure, you will receive specific instructions about medication and preparation. Depending on the clinic protocol, you may be asked to attend with a partially full bladder to improve ultrasound visualisation during the transfer.

After the procedure, prolonged bed rest is not necessary. Normal movement does not cause the embryo to “fall out” of the uterus. Continue all prescribed medication exactly as instructed and contact the clinic if you experience symptoms that concern you.

When Is a Pregnancy Test Performed?

You will receive an exact date for the blood hCG test. The timing depends on the developmental stage of the transferred embryo and the individual treatment cycle.

Do not test too early, as the result may be misleading. A negative or positive home pregnancy test before the recommended date does not replace the scheduled blood test.

After the Procedure

What Can You Expect After Embryo Transfer?

Returning to Your Normal Routine

After the procedure, you may stay at the clinic briefly, depending on the organisation of the clinic and your individual condition.
Prolonged bed rest is not necessary.
Standing up, walking, coughing, or using the toilet cannot “dislodge” the embryo.
You may return to a normal, calm daily routine unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

Activities and Symptoms

Normal movement and light everyday activities are allowed.
Avoid excessive physical exertion and activities that cause discomfort.
Mild cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, or light spotting may occur.
These symptoms do not confirm pregnancy, and their absence does not mean that the transfer has been unsuccessful.

Implantation and Outcome

What Determines the Outcome After Embryo Transfer?

Implantation is a complex biological process. It depends on the potential of the embryo, the condition of the endometrium, and the precise timing at which they interact.
The outcome is also influenced by age at the time the eggs were retrieved, hormonal preparation, the condition of the uterine cavity, embryo development, and other individual factors.

How Should Success Rates Be Interpreted?

When a success rate is reported, it is important to know what outcome it refers to — a positive pregnancy test, a confirmed clinical pregnancy, or a live birth.
The figures for fresh and frozen embryo transfers should not be compared without context. At Adella, we discuss statistics in relation to specific cases rather than as a guarantee of an individual outcome.

When Should You Contact Us?

Embryo transfer usually proceeds without serious complications. Mild cramping, slight discomfort, or light spotting may occur.
Contact the clinic if you experience increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
If the transfer follows ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or reduced urination.

We Are With You Throughout the Entire Process

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is usually not painful, although you may experience mild, brief discomfort. Some of the discomfort may be related to having a full bladder if this is required for ultrasound guidance.
If you experience pain, tell the medical team during the procedure.
Anaesthesia is usually not necessary. The catheter is thin, and passing it through the cervix generally causes minimal discomfort.
For individual medical reasons, a different approach may occasionally be required.
For ultrasound-guided transfer, a moderately full bladder may be requested because it can improve visualisation of the uterus and catheter.
You will receive specific instructions from the clinic about how to prepare.
The placement of the embryo itself usually takes only a few minutes. Additional time is required for preparation, checks, documentation, and coordination with the embryology team.
There is no single option that is best for every patient. Fresh transfer may be appropriate when the response to stimulation and the development of the embryos allow it.
Frozen embryo transfer may be preferred when there is a risk of complications, when genetic testing is required, when the endometrium is not optimal, or for another medical reason.
The day of transfer depends on embryo development and the treatment plan. The decision may also take into account the number and quality of the embryos, reproductive history, and laboratory assessment.
There is no single day that is automatically best for every cycle.
When medically appropriate, we prefer single embryo transfer because it reduces the risk of multiple pregnancy.
The decision is discussed individually and takes into account age, embryo characteristics, previous procedures, and the overall treatment plan.
Prolonged bed rest does not improve the chance of implantation. After a brief stay at the clinic, you can usually return to your normal daily routine.
Follow the individual instructions provided by your doctor.
No. The uterine cavity is not an open space from which the embryo can fall out when you stand, walk, cough, or use the toilet.
Normal movement after the transfer cannot cause the embryo to be lost.
In most cases, you can continue with your usual daily activities and work if you feel well. Avoid excessive physical exertion and follow the individual instructions given by your medical team.
If your work involves heavy physical activity, discuss returning to work with your doctor.
Mild cramping and light spotting may occur because of manipulation of the cervix or as part of normal changes during this period. They do not indicate whether implantation has or has not occurred.
If the pain is severe, bleeding is heavy, or you have other concerning symptoms, contact the clinic.
You will receive a specific date for an hCG blood test. It depends on the stage of the transferred embryo and the type of cycle.
Do not stop medication or make treatment decisions based on an early home pregnancy test unless instructed by the medical team.
If there are other embryos that meet the criteria for freezing, they may be cryopreserved and stored for future use.
The embryology team will inform you which embryos have been frozen and what the next options are.