Embryo Transfer

Intrauterine embryo transfer (ET) is the process by which we deposit in the uterus the embryos generated in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory.

It is a very tolerable procedure for the patient. It’s requested a full bladder by previously drinking 1.5 liters of water. In the gynecological position a vaginal mirror is introduced to visualize the cervix, the exo and endocervix are washed. In the IVF laboratory the embryologist loads the embryos in the requested cannula and then introduces it through the cervix carefully to the center of the endometrial cavity, where the embryos are slowly injected approximately 1.5 cm from the uterine fundus. The catheter is slowly withdrawn and the laboratory checks that no embryos have been retained in the catheter under a microscope. The entire procedure is performed through ultrasound control.

Among factors that can interfere in the success of the embryo transfer are the type of catheter (soft or rigid) used, the presence of mucus or bleeding during the procedure, a difficult transfer which can be due to alterations in the anatomy of the cervical canal, cervical stenosis due to surgery or previous treatments.

A fresh embryo transfer can be performed, meaning that the embryos formed after the IVF treatment or embryos have been previously frozen.