How Many Days After Egg Retrieval Is Embryo Transferred?

For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, IVF can be a boon. There are many stages in an IVF procedure. Among them, the last and the most important one is the embryo transfer. In this article, we will discuss embryo transfer and the time taken to transfer and embryo post fertilization.

What is Embryo Transfer?

First things first, let us understand the basics of the procedure. Embryo transfer is a process in which the embryos are transferred into the uterus to implant and establish a pregnancy. At first, medications for oocyte maturation are given that would stimulate the woman’s ovaries to produce eggs. Through an egg retrieval procedure, the eggs are removed and fertilized with sperms in an IVF laboratory.

After the fertilization, through embryo transfer procedure, one or two embryos are placed in the uterus. A catheter through the vagina and the cervix is inserted into the uterus. With the help of a syringe that is placed at the end of the catheter, the embryos along with a small amount of fluid are injected into the uterus.

Time Taken for Embryo Transfer after Fertilization

Now that we know the basics, let us discuss the time taken for the procedure. Usually, embryo transfer after fertilization is done three to five days after egg retrieval. The fertilized egg is cultured for 3 to 5 days. During which, the embryo transfer can be performed at the cleavage stage i.e. 3rd day after co-incubation or blastocyst stage i.e. 5th day after co-incubation.

You have to go for a follow-up consultation after 2 weeks of the embryo transfer. This is to ensure that that transfer was successful and the doctors confirm this by the Positive Serum b-hcg level in your body.