Embryo Transfer

What is Embryo Transfer?

Embryo Transfer is the final step in the process of an IVF treatment cycle in which the embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus of the female patient with the intent to form a pregnancy.

Embryos can be transferred “fresh” from the IVF stimulation cycle or “frozen” where the embryos have undergone embryo cryopreservation and are thawed just prior to the transfer.

What is the advantage of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

• Your body has had time to recover back to its normal state after all medication injections from the stimulated IVF cycle.
• This provides a more natural environment for the embryo implantation conditions.
• This provides a more natural environment for the embryo implantation conditions.
• Fewer potential side effects.
• Fewer potential side effects.
• Less emotional stress since the egg production has already been taken care of and the issue of usable embryo resolved.
• You can plan the available date of frozen embryo transfer to suit your needs
• The frozen embryos can be stored indefinitely in their frozen state.
• Stimulation medication may cause an over response or “hyperstimulation” which means the females hormone levels may rise above expected. These patients cannot undergo fresh embryo transfer as any resulting pregnancy may be harmful to the female.
• Stimulation medications also alter the state of the endometrium lining of the uterus making it a less than ideal environment for embryo implantation.
• Patients who wish to assess the chromosomal status of their embryos will also need to freeze all their embryos for transfer in a frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle.