How do you prepare for embryo transfer?

Embryo transfer is the part of treatment where one or more cultured embryos are transferred back into the womb. In most treatments, one embryo will be transferred while other embryos that show potential are frozen for later use.

Your transfer can take place two to five (sometimes six) days after your egg collection (if going through a fresh cycle). If having a frozen egg transfer (FET), this will take place in a different cycle to the one in which your eggs were collected. Your Apricity advisor will keep you updated on when this is likely to be. In this short period, you’ll have been taking medication to help prepare the lining of your womb for the best chance of implantation.

During the embryo transfer process itself, an embryo is selected and transferred into the womb through a fine, flexible tube inserted through your vagina and cervix. Embryo transfer is usually a quick and safe procedure and is often done under ultrasound guidance.

Your Apricity advisor will keep you updated on what you can expect from embryo transfer, but the following outlines our most frequently asked questions about embryo transfer.

Dos and don’ts before embryo transfer

You may be wondering what you should avoid before embryo transfer and what things you should be doing to help the procedure go smoothly and support you in your two week wait. Your fertility team will tell you any ‘musts’ but the following are some helpful do’s and don’ts:

• Follow your medication plan: Take your prescribed fertility medications, such as progesterone, as instructed by your fertility clinic

• Stay hydrated: A well-hydrated body supports optimal blood flow and overall health.

• Eat balanced meals: Nourish your body with healthy foods that provide energy and support well-being.

• Refrain from smoking and alcohol: Both can negatively impact fertility and your body’s ability to support implantation.

• Limit caffeine: While a small amount is usually fine, too much caffeine can have a negative effect on implantation.

• Reduce stress: Try to keep your stress levels low. Meditation or gentle relaxation techniques can help.

• Plan the logistics: Make sure you know the timing, directions, and other details for your appointment to reduce last-minute stress and ensure that you are at your fertility clinic in plenty of time for your procedure. As you aren’t sedated, you can drive yourself to and from the appointment, although you may feel better having someone to accompany you home in case you experience any mild discomfort.  

• Wear loose clothing: It’s a good idea to wear loose clothing that’s easy to take off and put on to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, especially if having a fresh egg transfer as you may still feel a little bloated following ovarian stimulation.

• Avoid scented products: Strong scents, such as perfumes, shower gels, lotions, and even nail varnish need to be avoided on the day before transfer as they can interfere with the sterile environment during the procedure and be harmful to the embryos. On the morning of your embryo transfer, it is recommended that you have a lukewarm shower without using any scented products to remove any lingering scents.

• Remove jewellery, contact lenses, glasses or wigs: This is to ensure that the egg transfer procedure room remains sterile.

What should I do to prepare for embryo transfer?

You’ll already have been taking all the right medications and supplements, and there’s not much else you need to do when it comes to how to prep your body for embryo transfer. An embryo transfer is usually not done under sedation, and you can eat and drink normally before the appointment. If your case is particularly difficult or there are other reasons, you may have an embryo transfer under sedation and you will need to follow very carefully the fasting instructions given to you via the clinic or your Apricity advisor.

We will usually ask that you have a full bladder – this pushes the uterus into a good position for embryo transfer and also helps the ultrasound clinician see the uterus better.

How do I prepare my uterus for embryo transfer?

Preparing your uterus for embryo transfer focuses on optimising your endometrial lining, which plays a key role in successful implantation. Your fertility clinic will monitor your hormone levels and prescribe medications like oestrogen and progesterone to help thicken the lining.

Additionally, lifestyle adjustments can support a healthy uterine environment. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet that includes antioxidants, fibre and low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates, and reducing stress are all important. Many individuals also turn to acupuncture, as research suggests it may improve blood flow to the uterus and support relaxation, increasing the chances of implantation success.

Can you eat before embryo transfer?

Yes, you can eat and drink normally before an embryo transfer, and it's actually encouraged to have a light meal. This is because the procedure typically does not require sedation, and it’s best to avoid feeling light-headed or weak during the process. Just make sure to eat something that won’t cause discomfort, as you’ll want to feel as relaxed as possible during the transfer.

Should I shave before embryo transfer?

Shaving is not necessary before an embryo transfer and body hair does not impact the success of the treatment. The procedure is conducted through the vaginal canal, and your fertility team will be focused on the internal aspects of your reproductive system. If you prefer to shave for personal comfort, that’s entirely up to you, but it is not required from a medical standpoint.

Are you sedated for embryo transfer?

No, sedation is not typically used for an embryo transfer. The procedure is relatively quick and painless, often described as like a cervical smear test. Some clinics may offer a mild sedative to patients who experience severe anxiety or who have a history of difficulty embryo transfers.

What symptoms will I experience during and after embryo transfer?

The embryo transfer procedure is similar to a smear test: a speculum is inserted into the vagina to help visualise the cervix, and a fine, soft tube is inserted through the cervical os (the small opening in the cervix) to deposit the embryo into the womb. Some women find it completely painless, but some women do find it uncomfortable.

After embryo transfer, you may experience crampy pains after the procedure, and it's not uncommon to have some light bleeding – we recommend using a sanitary pad and not a tampon to manage this. This kind of pain or light spotting doesn't mean that anything's gone wrong.

Do I need to take time off work?

Unlike egg collection, we don’t normally advise that people need time off work, but we do recommend avoiding strenuous or unusual exercise, so it depends on the nature of your work. If you have any concerns about your work or day-to-day activities around this time, your Apricity advisor can give you individually tailored advice. 

Is the embryo transfer procedure painful?

The actual embryo transfer shouldn't be painful, but some women do experience discomfort at some point in the process. Please do let your clinician know if something feels irregularly uncomfortable.

How long does an embryo transfer take?

The actual procedure can take as little as five minutes but often takes about 15. The whole appointment will probably take about an hour.  

Can I bring my partner, friend, etc.?

Absolutely. It’s very natural for a partner to be present for this stage. We’ve also had women bring their sister, mother, or a friend. Bring the person you feel most comfortable around. It’s also okay if you prefer to come to these appointments by yourself.

How will I know if my embryo transfer has worked?

You might hear all kinds of anecdotes about how someone just knew when they were pregnant. The truth is that you really don’t know until you take your pregnancy test at the time that the clinic recommends. It’s usually around two weeks after transfer, and we understand that it can feel like the longest two weeks of your life. The best advice we have is to act as if you could be pregnant by eating healthily, not smoking or drinking alcohol, while at the same time assuming nothing. For more on the two-week wait, this article has further guidance.

Is there anything I can do to improve chances of success after embryo transfer?

Patients often ask us how to make embryo transfer successful, which is why we have compiled the most common FAQS on what to do after embryo transfer to increase success.

The answer is mostly to follow common sense and the advice you’ll have had from your Apricity team. Be selective about what you read on the internet – and try your best to relax. We understand that the two week wait after embryo transfer wait can be nerve-wracking but it can help your physical and emotional well-being to:

• Get enough sleep

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

• Avoid extreme temperatures

• Refrain from strenuous activities

• Spend time with friends and family

• Keep your mind distracted by doing activities you enjoy

•  Abstain from sex

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and gentle yoga

• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs

When you have your fertility treatment with Apricity, you’ll be supported at every stage of the journey. Your dedicated care team will be available seven days a week, and you'll have a wealth of guidance and resources at your fingertips thanks to our mobile app. If you’d like to take the first steps to exploring IVF, or any other fertility treatments, our fertility advisors are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can book a free consultation to find out more.