Embryo Transfer and Post-Transfer Care
While transfer of multiple embryos increases the chance of pregnancy, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancy (The Dilemma of Twins). The decision regarding the number of embryos to transfer can be difficult. In making a recommendation we take into account the woman's age, the appearance of the embryos, the couple's prior history, the advisability of embryo freezing and the couple's concern about multiple pregnancy and the potential need for multi-fetal pregnancy reduction. In general, we transfer 2-3 embryos in women under the age of 35, 3-4 embryos in women aged 35-39, and 5-6 embryos in women over 40 years of age. Some couples may choose a lower number of embryos to have transferred because of concern about the risks of multiple pregnancy.
The embryo transfer is done in a room adjacent to the laboratory. The transfer requires no anesthesia. If at all possible, we would like your partner to be present. We use an abdominal ultrasound to confirm that the catheter is within the uterine cavity. Therefore it is best if you drink extra fluid 1-2 hours and stop voiding about 1 hour before the transfer. In the usual position for a pelvic examination, a tiny catheter containing minute amount of fluid with the embryos is gently inserted into the uterus and the fluid is deposited. You then rest for 5-10 minutes before discharge. Following transfer you might notice light spotting for a couple of days.
The embryos not transferred are either frozen for future use or discarded (Embryo Freezing). If you have embryos which will be discarded, you may either permit us to study them first for research or quality control or you may choose to discard them without any study.
If you do not plan to freeze additional embryos for future use, if you are healthy and under 30 years of age, you may consider donating some of the eggs before fertilization to an infertile woman who does not produce eggs of her own. If you are willing to do so, please inform Dr. Chetkowski well in advance of the treatment cycle so that appropriate screening and arrangements can be completed. Even if you agree to donate extra eggs, we will only do so if a large number of mature eggs are recovered so that your decision would in no way decrease your own chance of conception in that cycle. Donation of the extra eggs may reduce your total expenses significantly.