What to expect at embryo transfer

[ZiggyandBC]

Hi everyone,

I started my injections yesterday (long protocol) and I also had an endometrial scratch. I found the scratch to be really painful and now I’m worried the embryo transfer will be just as painful. Does anyone have any advice? What actually happens during the embryo transfer? Sorry if this is a silly question I’m just worried I’m going to be in lots of pain and how that will affect the transfer! X

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

As time for the transfer gets closer the nurses at your clinic will explain what happens during the procedure - it is usually pain free - the same instrument is used like when you had your smear so the more relaxed you are the better Let the clinic know that you are worried about it -I am sure they will help put your mind at rest Good luck

Janet

[ZiggyandBC in reply to JA-fnuk]

Thank you, I’ll let them know closer to the time. I have endo so not sure if that’s why it’s more painful for me. Hopefully it won’t be too bad 🙌🏻

[XOXO13]

Hello,

Please don’t be nervous, I promise you’ll be okay. I’ve had four, and each time it’s a little uncomfortable (and you lose your dignity for a short while) but it’s honestly okay. Just think about your little embaby.

My first three, I was able to watch on a screen. I actually felt more uncomfortable with my first three. They give you a little sheet skirt to cover up when you remove your bottoms, and you lay on a bed (like a smear) and they shine some bright lights on you. They’ll then use a similar instrument to what you had with your smear to insert the embaby. It’s over quickly. Your bladder will also be partly full (it doesn’t need to be silly full so you’re bursting for the loo!)

With my fourth, I actually didn’t have a screen and I preferred it. It was also just me and the consultant vs a few other people as per my previous three. I just laid on the bed, closed my eyes and let her do her job. I then lay down for 20 minutes afterwards which isn’t necessary but I actually preferred it (whilst they say it’s impossible for your embaby to fall out if you stand or use the bathroom straight away, I felt better for staying still with my thoughts for that 20 minutes). Afterwards, they’ll then talk you through the next couple of weeks to your OTD.

Sending you lots of luck 🍀 xxx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to XOXO13]

Thank you I feel a lot better! At least I know what to expect now, I might try listening to music next time to try and calm myself down as I was crazy nervous beforehand so found it hard to relax, thank you again for your lovely reply! Xx

[MyLittlePinkness]

There is no comparison between the scratch and the transfer, I called out in pain with the scratch!! The only uncomfortable part of the transfer is the speculum,(full bladder’s not that great either!) but it’s fine. Lie back, breathe and think of your gorgeous embryo settling in to mama for the next 9 months , good luck 💕💕💕

[ZiggyandBC in reply to MyLittlePinkness]

Thank you! I sort of prepared myself for the scratch to hurt but it was a bit more than I bargained for so now I’m worried for what’s to come! I think The hope and excitement of transfer day will outweigh any nerves I’m sure! Thank you for your reply I feel a lot better about it! ❤️❤️

[Rowan80]

I found the embryo transfer to be uncomfortable but not painful. It was a bit like a smear test so don’t worry about it. Sending you best wishes and hope it goes well. It sounds like you are doing the hardest part now. X

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Rowan80]

Thank you, I feel a lot better hearing from others who have been through it. Smears aren’t too bad for me so fingers crossed I’ll be fine! Xx

[Star241]

I can’t relate I found the scratch horrendous but be assured embryo transfer is not painful, it is a little like a smear test and you will be too worried about not peeing yourself to worry about anything else! All the best to you x

[Purpledoggy]

My 2 transfers were less painful than a smear test (which I find minimally uncomfy). The worst bit is the full bladder if the transfer schedule is running behind! Xx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thank you, I’m dreading the full bladder! I’ve had scans where I’ve needed a full bladder and they’ve been running behind and I almost couldn’t hold it! Xx

[Purpledoggy in reply to ZiggyandBC]

I always went with a kind of full bladder and it was never an issue. I guess maybe for some it needs to be mega full but I just can’t deal with it! Xx

[RoseLodge32]

I've not had a scratch but I've had two transfers now and both were absolutely fine. At my clinic, the procedure goes something like this:

You arrive 20 mins before the transfer with a full bladder, are shown to a private room and given a gown, hair and shoe covers to put on

The consultant comes by for a chat and to answer any questions and you are then taken through to the transfer room (partner can come too)

You get up on the bed and the embryologist chats to you about the embryo being transferred

You then lay back, put your legs in the stirrups and they cover your bottom half

There is a nurse scanning your tummy so that the consultant can clearly see your bladder and uterus

They put the speculum and catheter in and then the embryologist collects the embryo for transfer

Once transfered, they double check that the embryo hasn't got stuck on the catheter and then your done!

Don't do what I did though and try to get off the bed before they lower it back down 😂

It's honestly over so quickly and isn't painful at all. You've got this! xx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to RoseLodge32]

Thank you that’s really helpful! The catheter bit is the scary bit! It really hurt when I had it done with the scratch but I’m hoping it’ll be okay next time! Thank you for your reply! ❤️

[RoseLodge32 in reply to ZiggyandBC]

I know exactly how you feel, I had a really bad experience not with a scratch but with a HyCoSy. That too involved a catheter so I was very nervous about the egg collection and the transfer. Letting the consultant, nurse etc. know this helped to calm me. xx

[Jana483]

Had a total of 6 transfers and they were all pain free and ended very fast.Wishing you all the best!

[Lady39]

In our clinic the transfer is actually a pleasant experience. We go into a room with some music and they show you the embryo they are going to put in. Like you I was very anxious at first. The best advice I was given was to ask in advance for some gas and air. Mainly for me I don’t like the part where they put the speculum in. But they do that in a smear test so if you’re ok with that then that’s about as bad as it gets. I’d say it’s the easiest part of the whole treatment. Stay calm and relax.