Embryos at the stage of transfer are transferred into the uterus with the help of a catheter, following the 2nd-6th day following egg collection. In routine applications, transfer is conducted on the 3rd day. However, it is performed on the 4th day for the ones pre-implantation genetic diagnosis are performed and on the 5th-6th day that blastocyst transfer will be conducted. The selection of the embryos to be transferred is very important. Embryos of highest quality, which have completed their division according to the development stage are selected.

The embryo number to be transferred usullay varies between 2-5. While determining the number of embryos, the woman’s age, quality of the embryos and previous unsuccessful IVF trials should be considered. The ET process should be conducted with minimum trauma. Trial transfer should have been conducted previously to determine how the real transfer should be done, the cervic channel and position of the uterus, the length of the uterus should be noted. With the light of this previously obtained information, the real transfer can be conducted conveniently.

In our centre ET process is performed under the control of the ultrasound. Its advantage in being conducted under ultrasound is placing the catheter more easily and monitoring where the embryos are put inside the uterus.

The patient is prepared on top of a gynecology table as if she will receive an examination. A speculum is placed in the vagina and the cervix is exposed. The vagina and uterine channel is cleaned with sterile serum or special liquids. While watching on the ultrasound screen, cervix and uterine channel are passed through with an outer catheter used for ET, and the uterine cavity is reached. After it has passed the uterine channel 1.5-2 cm, the the tip of the outer catheter is no more advanced.

After making sure that the outer catheter is n the right place like this, the embryologist places the embryos to be transferred into the inner catheter. Embryos, placed in a very less amount of liquid take place at the end of the inner catheter. Then the inner catheters carrying the embryos are progressed through the outer catheter and reach to the uterine cavity. With the help of an injector the embryos are left in the most appropriate part of the endometrium and catheters are slowly withdrawn. While conducting transfer process, manipulations leading to contractions, bleeding or trauma in the uterus should be avoided abd the catheher should not touch the fundus part of the uterne cavity.

After the transfer process is completed, the catheter is checked by an embroyologist. By this way it will be assured that the embryos are given.

After the patient has rested for 1 hour following the transfer process, she is sent home. Extension of the rest period dos not increase the chance to conceive. In test tube bay applications, the last step n reaching pregnancy is Embryo Transfer process. In the next stage, the patient waits 12-14 days till the pregnancy test. During this period, the patient is informed to carry on her normal daily life. Sexual intercourse is prohibited and she is informed not to exhaust herself with sports activities.

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