Embryo transfer questions

[Terrierlover123]

Hi all!

I am hopefully going to have an embryo transfer next month and I have a few queries I am hoping you may be able to help me with.

It may be a daft question, but what happens if the embryo transfer does not result in a positive pregnancy? When am I likely to next have a period following that? The reason I am quite concerned about that is, if my maths is right, I may potentially be on holiday when it comes to pregnancy test time and just wonder if a period would immediately follow within a couple of days or what if it wasn't successful, as I am also hoping to not test when away but test the following week when I am at home (think there would be about a 4 day wait) - I just want to be prepared.

Also, what is embryo transfer day like and what can I expect? I keep being told it is like a cervical screening test which to be quite frank, sounds horrible, having only had one smear test, with one due in the summer it took me 2 years to get the courage to go for one! A lot has changed since then but still, feeling a little apprehensive about that. So any reassurance would be much appreciated!😊

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

So if your transfer isn't successful you will likely get your period 1 - 2 days after stopping all the meds (which your clinic will tell you do do on test day).

Some people bleed before test day which often indicates it's not worked - but best to test to get the correct result.

Embryo transfer is very much like a smear. The use a speculum to access the cervix - then they clean it with a little water. They will then pass a very small catheter through the cervix and in to the womb - they do this via ultrasound so you will need a very full bladder. They they confirm all your details to make sure they are putting back the right embryo - and pass an even smaller tube through the catheter - you will then see a little pin prick of light as it is released in to your uterus.

I wouldn't say it was painful but a little uncomfortable when they put the first catheter in - but once that's it it's fine. For me the worst part is having such a full bladder and feeling like I might pee (you won't). But to be honest, even if it is uncomfortable, the fact that you can see this little embryo actually going in to your womb is incredible. Try to stay relaxed as that will help a lot. If you're really worried you can ask them about a mild sedative - perhaps a Valium or similar just to take the edge off. But in my experience it's absolutely not the worst part of IVF!

Good luck xx

[Terrierlover123 in reply to Millbanks]

Hey! So, I am having a 'natural' transfer so no meds - I probably should have said that originally.

Wow, sounds actually quite an amazing process. I will take period products away with me I think but let's hope I may be home in time so that actually, I can test then as I don't really want to test when away on holiday... xx

[Millbanks in reply to Terrierlover123]

Ah ok! I've never had a natural one so I have no clue when you would bleed - I suspect whenever your period would be due, like a normal month TTC...

It really is incredible - the whole IVF process is bonkers really but there is something super special about seeing that speck of light - it always makes me well up a bit.

Fingers crossed you won't need them xx

[Terrierlover123 in reply to Millbanks]

Thanks so much, that is reassuring to know. I may drop the clinic a message and see what they say about it all xx

[Bimsie1310]

Hi, I've had 5 transfers so well experienced! All of mine were natural but with added progesterone and on the 4 that failed my period started around 3-5 days after stopping progesterone.

The transfer is uncomfortable but not painful. I personally found it worse that a smear as you have the speculum in and have someone pushing on your full bladder with an ultrasound. Also on 2 of mine it took them a while to get the catheter in the right place! Not trying to put you off, it doesn't hurt but I'm always glad when they are done!