# Embryo Transfer The Process

Embryo Transfer: The Process

Embryo transfer is the moment everything the retrieval and lab work has been building toward comes together. Once the uterine lining is ready and the embryo is prepared — whether fresh or thawed from a freeze — the transfer can take place.

The overwhelming majority of embryos are now frozen at the blastocyst stage using a technology known as vitrification. Thawing happens in the embryology lab on the day of transfer. More than 95% of vitrified blastocysts survive the thawing process. In the rare case that an embryo doesn't survive, and one or more additional embryos are in storage, the team can thaw another embryo and proceed the same day.

The procedure itself is straightforward and nearly painless. Sedation is not required in the vast majority of cases. Arriving with a moderately full bladder helps the care team visualize the uterus clearly using abdominal ultrasound throughout.

In the procedure room, a speculum is placed to visualize the cervix. A catheter is gently threaded through the cervix and into the upper portion of the uterus, guided by ultrasound. Together, the embryologist and clinician guide the embryo to the ideal location and release it into the uterine cavity, where the conditions for implantation have been carefully prepared.

The entire procedure takes less than 10 minutes. Afterward, your care team will walk through next steps and what to expect leading up to the pregnancy test.
