Embryos Transfer

Transfer of the embryos. In IVF procedures, after fertilization and embryo development, the next step is an embryo transfer. Embryo transfer is a process to deposit embryos into the endometrial cavity by using a fine catheter that is passed through the cervix.


In general, the procedure is monitored by a trans-abdominal ultrasound. The embryos can be transferred three days after the insemination, called the cleavage stage. Some are transferred five to six days after the insemination, called the blastocyst stage. The number of embryos to be transferred is determined by the age of the patient, the quality of the embryos and other related factors. A pregnancy test is administered two weeks after embryo transfer. Any remaining embryos can be cryopreserved (frozen) in the lab for a future use, if desired. The recommended timeline for embryo and sperm cryopreservation is 5 years.


The policy at our Fertility Centers is to transfer only two embryos in patients under the age of 35, two-to-three embryos in patients under the age of 39, four-to-five embryos in patients older than 40. If the embryos are transferred at the blastocyst stage, your doctors will recommend one or two embryos in patients younger than age 40.

Following the embryo transfer, you must limit certain activities and continue required medications. In five days, a blood test is done to monitor your hormone levels. A pregnancy test is taken14 days after the embryo transfer, and will determine whether the procedure was successful.