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EMBRYO TRANSFER

This is it. The big moment. The embryo transfer is one of the most critical steps in building the family of your dreams.
An embryo transfer is a medical procedure in which an embryo is transferred into the mother’s uterus with the assistance of a medical professional. Parents can opt for this method for a variety of reasons, including to help a woman who is unable to conceive on her own, to help a woman whose uterus has been damaged, or to increase the chances of pregnancy in a woman who has had multiple failed pregnancies.

At RISE Fertility, we believe the keys to success are preparation and personalization. We perform a thorough evaluation before transfer and prepare both you and your body in order to create the optimal conditions for a healthy pregnancy.

rise fertility ultrasound

Why Choose Embryo Transfer?

There are many reasons why someone might choose an embryo transfer as a possible solution for reproduction. Some common reasons include:

Difficulty Conceiving

If a couple has been trying to conceive for a long period of time (usually over a year) with no success, they may opt for an embryo transfer. This is especially common if the woman is over 35, as fertility declines with age.

Male Infertility

If a man is unable to produce enough sperm or his sperm is of poor quality, an embryo transfer may be recommended. This is because the sperm can be injected directly into the egg (a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection), increasing the chances of fertilization.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

If a woman has experienced multiple miscarriages, an embryo transfer may be recommended in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Advanced Reproductive Age

If a woman is older and her eggs are of poor quality, an embryo transfer may be recommended in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

rise fertility ultrasound
Background Arc

EMBRYO TRANSFER

This is it. The big moment. The embryo transfer is one of the most critical steps in building the family of your dreams.

At RISE Fertility, we believe the keys to success are preparation and personalization. We perform a thorough evaluation before transfer and prepare both you and your body in order to create the optimal conditions for a healthy pregnancy.

THE RISE FERTILITY PROCESS

Embryo Transfer Step-By-Step

We prepare both you and your body to conceive and create
the optimal conditions for a pregnancy to thrive.

STEP 1

Custom Transfer Protocol

Fresh or frozen? Natural or medicated? Customizing your treatment plan to fit your individual needs is part of what sets RISE Fertility apart.

STEP 2

Uterine Preparation

The uterus is prepped for implantation over ~3-5 weeks. During this time, you are carefully monitored to make sure the uterine lining is developing optimally.

STEP 3

Embryo Transfer

Your RISE Fertility physician will perform an easy, painless procedure to carefully place the embryo into the uterus under ultrasound guidance.

STEP 4

Pregnancy Monitoring

Once you are pregnant, we are with you through the first trimester. Weekly ultrasounds and labs ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally.

THE RISE FERTILITY PROCESS

Embryo Transfer Step-By-Step

We prepare both you and your body to conceive and create
the optimal conditions for a pregnancy to thrive.

STEP 1

Custom Transfer Protocol

Fresh or frozen? Natural or medicated? Customizing your treatment plan to fit your individual needs is part of what sets RISE Fertility apart.

STEP 2

Uterine Preparation

The uterus is prepped for implantation over ~3-5 weeks. During this time, you are carefully monitored to make sure the uterine lining is developing optimally.

STEP 3

Embryo Transfer

Your RISE Fertility physician will perform an easy, painless procedure to carefully place the embryo into the uterus under ultrasound guidance.

STEP 4

Pregnancy Monitoring

Once you are pregnant, we are with you through the first trimester. Weekly ultrasounds and labs ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally.

Preparing for Your First Embryo Transfer Consultation

If you’re considering having an embryo transfer, your first step should be to consult with a fertility specialist. During this consultation, your doctor will assess your individual situation and determine whether or not embryo transfer is right for you.

Your doctor will also discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. It’s important that you understand all of the risks before making a decision about whether or not to proceed with embryo transfer. Be sure to notify your fertility specialist of any current or past medical conditions and any medications that you are currently taking. After your consultation, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. These instructions will likely include dietary and lifestyle changes that you’ll need to make in order to improve your chances of success.

Following your doctor’s recommendations carefully is the best way to ensure that you have a successful embryo transfer. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to raise them with your doctor so that they can be addressed before the procedure takes place.

Testing for Pregnancy After an Embryo Transfer

After an embryo transfer, it can take up to two weeks for implantation to occur. This means that it can be several days or even weeks before you know for sure whether or not you are pregnant. 

However, most doctors recommend waiting at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. This gives the embryo time to implant and to begin producing the hormone hCG, which is needed for a positive pregnancy test result.

Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer Has Finished
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As with any fertility treatment, there exists a chance that the treatment does not result in a pregnancy. However, if you are wondering if there are any indicators that you have successfully become pregnant after the procedure has been completed, here are some signs to look for: 

Feelings of Tiredness for Fatigue 

Tiredness or fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. One reason why pregnant women may feel tired is that their bodies are working hard to support the developing baby. The extra weight of the baby can also contribute to fatigue, as can the increased blood volume that pregnancy requires. 

Tenderness in the Breasts 

Feelings of tenderness in the breasts is among the most common symptoms of pregnancy and usually occurs in the first trimester. The breasts may feel swollen, heavy, or painful to the touch,  and the area around the nipples may be especially sensitive. Although breast tenderness can be uncomfortable, it is considered a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. 

Bloating and Cramping 

Some of the most common symptoms in early pregnancy include bloating and cramping. Bloating is often caused by an increase in progesterone levels, which can lead to a feeling of fullness and pressure in the abdomen. 

Cramping is caused by the uterus expanding as the baby grows. These cramps are usually mild and intermittent, but they can be more severe at times. Most women find that these symptoms improve after the first trimester as the body adjusts to the changes. 

Spotting and Elevated Vaginal Discharge

Spotting and increased vaginal discharge are common pregnancy symptoms that can occur in the first trimester. Spotting is usually light bleeding that happens when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This can take place around the same time as your period would have been due, but it is usually much lighter and less intense than a regular period. 

Increased vaginal discharge is also common in early pregnancy. This is due to your body producing more estrogen, which can lead to an increase in mucus production. The good news is that both of these symptoms are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you experience heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Nausea 

Nausea is a symptom that can be experienced during pregnancy, and it is caused by an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These hormones cause the stomach to empty at a slower pace, which can lead to feelings of nausea. 

Additionally, the growing baby can crowd the abdomen and press on the stomach, causing further discomfort. Nausea is generally most severe in the first trimester, but it can also occur in the second and third trimesters.

 

Transporting Embryos to RISE Fertility

Patients looking for exceptional success rates in a concierge setting are welcome to come experience the RISE Fertility difference. If you have embryos stored with another clinic, we can help coordinate their transport to our facility safely and efficiently.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions about Embryo Transfer

Your RISE Fertility physician will use your medical history, previous fertility treatments, and your hormone testing, as well as factor in your unique goals and preferences to create a personalized treatment protocol to optimize your outcome
The decision of how many embryos to transfer is an important one that your RISE Fertility physician will make together with you. In general, transferring a single embryo is recommended and is the safest strategy both for mom and baby. Transferring more than one embryo increases your chances of twins or a higher order multiple pregnancy.
If a fresh embryo transfer is planned following an IVF cycle, the embryo transfer usually happens 3-5 days after egg retrieval. A frozen embryo transfer cycle generally takes about 4-5 weeks from start to transfer. During that time, you will come to the office for 3-4 quick (15-20 minutes) monitoring visits. Blood work and an ultrasound are performed to check your progress.
There are several advantages of a frozen transfer cycle over a fresh transfer. However, in some cases a fresh transfer may be the preferred strategy. Your RISE Fertility physician will walk you through the pros and cons of each approach and help you figure out which one is right for you.
The medications are generally well tolerated with few, if any, side effects. Some patients may experience hormonal symptoms such as bloating and fatigue.
Once you get that positive pregnancy test, your RISE Fertility physician and team will continue to monitor you closely through the end of the first trimester. Weekly ultrasounds and bloodwork are performed to check the health of the pregnancy and to make sure everything is progressing normally. We graduate you to your Ob/Gyn for prenatal care usually between 11-13 weeks of pregnancy.
Embryos can stay frozen indefinitely. The technology and techniques of embryo freezing have advanced tremendously, and the vast majority of embryos survive and do well with the freezing and thawing process.
Coverage for embryo transfer depends on your carrier and policy. At RISE Fertility, our unique financial consultation process will help you navigate the costs of fertility care and review your insurance benefit coverage, while our exclusive fertility financing options help put treatment within reach.

Next level fertility care to help you end in baby steps? Look no further.