Embryo Transfer

The embryo is gently deposited into the womb (uterus) by inserting a thin and flexible transfer catheter through the vagina and the cervix. This procedure only takes a couple of minutes and is generally painless.

After the embryo transfer the patient rests for some minutes in supine position and may then go home.

Now the embryos are to settle and implant in the womb. There are no means to actively support or even force this process. However, you can try not to interfere with implantation by an unhealthy lifestyle, i.e. avoid smoking or an excessive consumption of alcohol. Over-stretching your body and jerky movements (bending down quickly, lifting and carrying heavy loads) should be avoided, too.


1. ISME - T
2. Concomitant hormone therapy

A new approach referred to as ISME-T (Implantation Support Medium Transfer) may additionally promote endometrial receptivity for the embryo to implant.

How does that work?
Normally, it takes the embryo 5 days to travel through the fallopian tube and reach the uterine cavity. On this 5 day journey the embryo is already communicating intensely with its environment (by secreting semiochemicals (messenger substances)). These semiochemicals reach the uterine cavity earlier than the embryo and are thus signaling its arrival.

Developing embryos are cultured in sequential media. The culture medium contains the semiochemicals released by the embryo in a concentrated form. Two days prior to the embryo transfer this medium is introduced into the uterine cavity, thus providing an optimally advantageous endometrium for the embryo to implant.

We are doing our very best as to mimic nature as far as possible!

The medium in which the embryos have been cultured can also be frozen for use in a future cryo-IVF-cycle.

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Around the time of follicular punctue an antibiotic is administered to keep the risk of infection as low as possible, mainly to prevent during embryo transfer the “pushing upwards” into the uterine cavity of any germs that might be present.

After follicular puncture and subsequent embryo transfer corpus luteum insufficiency naturally occurs and you are therefore required to take progesterone. The intake should be continued until the fetal heart beat is detectable by ultrasound. Then the intake of progesterone should be continued by vaginal tablets until the 12th week of pregnancy. In some cases a prolonged intake of progesterone may be appropriate. If applicable, please discuss this medication individually with your gynecologist.

Additionally, estrogen in form of tablets should be taken for a certain period of time (even though the estrogen levels are naturally elevated following stimulation). This is the only way of ensuring MAXIMUM SUCCESS.

Patients suffering from thyroid hypofunction should take thyroid medication in form of tablets (Eltroxin, L-Thyroxin, Euthyrox) throughout the period of pregnancy (Details are to be discussed with your treating gynecologist).

It is possible that you will be asked to take additional medication to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (Clexane s.c. , Parlodel).

Other medication may be prescribed on an individual basis (Cortisol, Thrombo ASS, Metformin).

Details of medication are to be found in written form on the information sheet and on the treatment schedule which will be handed out to the couple.