Embryo transfer procedure
The procedure causes minimal discomfort and no anesthetic is usually used. The woman lies on the table with her feet in stirrups. The doctor will insert a vaginal speculum to expose the cervix; the cervix is cleaned with a little of culture medium or sterile water. One or more selected embryo is loaded in a fine plastic catheter. Gently and carefully, the doctor guides the tip of the catheter through the cervix and deposits the embryos into the uterine cavity. In some cases, the embryo transfer procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance.
Many infertility clinics recommend the transfer of only two embryos because of the increased risk of multiple pregnancy. In the UK, legislation dictates that up to three embryos may be replaced in a treatment cycle.