Embryo Transfer under Sedation?

[Football61]

Hi. I had my egg collection on Monday, and have a potential fresh transfer this Saturday. If I get more than one blastocyst, I’m going to send them for PGT-A testing 🙏. But if there’s only one blastocyst, I’ll go ahead with a fresh transfer on Saturday.

I’m a bit of a drama queen when it comes to internal examinations, and I yelped a bit when I was having my scans during stims. However, they all went ahead, and once the probe is in, I’m absolutely fine (sorry if TMI).

I was a bit surprised when my consultant called me yesterday to advise that I should be sedated if I have a fresh transfer on Saturday. He said that my lady parts were “tense” even when I was sedated for my egg collection (!), and he thinks this is the best way forward.

This is all psychological, so I’m a bit annoyed that this has been raised. I was feeling relaxed about Saturday, but now I’m constantly worrying that I won’t be able to go through with the transfer. To be honest, the last thing I want is to be sedated again. I’m still feeling out-of-sorts from Monday, and I’ll have to go and stay with my parents again. I’m also unbelievably busy at work at the moment, and have meetings this weekend (although I know I shouldn’t be putting work first). I’ll have to pay £500 for an anaesthetist.

The other option is to take a mild sedative ahead of the transfer in order to relax myself.

Hugely grateful for any thoughts. Is the embryo transfer really that different from when they use a probe to do internal scans?

Thanks x

[Rol81]

Yes it’s a bit different, takes a bit longer and slightly more uncomfortable .

If you say you are a little dramatic when it’s comes to a regular scan and the doctors are aware of this, maybe it’s best take their advice to insure a smooth transfer. But ultimately it’s your choice so do what you think is best for you x

[Catswhiskers1]

so I was told I literally wouldn’t feel them putting the catheter in, but I did and it hurt (made me bleed a bit) and so I jumped, the guy doing the transfer then got a bit stressed and said I had to stay still in case the embryo ended up on the floor! So it’s different for everyone and most people say they can’t feel it/isn’t painful, but yes for me it definitely was worse than the scan and possibly consider the sedation if they advise it, since you’ve come this far already!

[Whatever098]

as everyone’s said yes it is different and as they have to get the tube into your cervix not only would that be harder for them if you’re tense, but also could be more painful for you. And the tension isn’t just in your head or a matter of just being relaxed - hence why you still were even under GA. If there is an option to take the mild sedative, I’d save the $500 and take that option. Good luck!

[Twiglet2]

it’s more like a smear test I’d say than an internal scan but lasts a bit longer (only a few minutes though). I am absolutely fine with it no pain at all but I am totally fine with the internal scans etc so everyone is different. I would ask to try with the mild sedative to relax you rather than sedation and see if you can find some relaxing visualisation or breathing techniques as well to relax you before and during as you do need to keep still whilst they place the little embryo in the right spot 💜🤗 good luck xx

[Solly-44]

I found that the more transfers I had the more tense I became and tbh that did make them quite difficult. I was prescribed diazepam to take on the day. It would be completely cleared by your system by the time any implantation occurred so wouldn’t have any effect on your embryo. I found it helped massively and is much less hassle (plus a lot cheaper/less inconvenient for work etc) than full sedation. Could be worth asking about?

Lots of luck for transfer whatever you decide 🤞

[Jade2006]

I’m requested for sedation , my experience wasn’t great I have endo and adenmyosis.

And she had to change the septrum and was very uncomfortable for me so I will be having it as I didn’t have a good feeling about last time x

[TTC0011]

I have my transfers under sedation - adenomyosis/fibroids and an extremely sensitive uterus when the catheter is in. I'd prefer to have mine awake but sedated is the only way forward. Do what feels right for you, you'll know your body best.

[Me_and_Sparkle]

if your doctor has advised for sedation, it must be safer that way to avoid contractions. Also, sorry to add this is completely my advice, after reading and hearing friend stories, I would opt for a medicated frozen transfer and PGT testing. The success rates are so much higher. Sending you all the luck in the world x

[Weegran20]

Try acupuncture for anxiety 🥰