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Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is one of the most important steps in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. If the best eggs are collected during an egg retrieval, but the embryos are not transferred appropriately, a woman's chance of pregnancy substantially decreases.
Embryo transfer is much like a Pap smear, in that there is no pain involved and no sedation or drugs are necessary for the procedure. An embryo transfer catheter is filled with the embryos and placed at the top of the uterine cavity. The embryos are then released into the uterine cavity. After the catheter is withdrawn, it is checked under a microscope to ensure that all of the embryos were transferred. The woman rests for approximately one hour before going home, and should not participate in physical activity for the remainder of the day. Approximately 11 days following the transfer, a blood test is conducted to determine whether the woman is pregnant.
Any evaluation(s), diagnosis or treatment will be provided by physicians, staff or independent contractors of The Western Pennsylvania Hospital or Allegheny General Hospital.
The number of embryos to be transferred is determined by our specialized physicians. This is a complex decision, since the more embryos transferred often means a higher risk of pregnancy. However, a higher number of embryos transferred can also result in multiple, or high-risk pregnancy. The goal is to increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, while also minimizing the chances of her having multiples. Therefore, a reasonable number of embryos will most likely be transferred, balancing a high overall pregnancy rate with a low incidence of multiples.
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