The couple will be able to view the embryos through a monitor before the embryos are replaced

The embryo transfer is a short procedure. There is generally very little discomfort. The patient lies on the table with her feet in stirrups. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to expose the cervix. The cervix is cleaned with a little culture medium. One or more embryos suspended in a drop of culture medium are loaded in a fine plastic catheter called "embryo transfer catheter" with a syringe on one end. Gently and carefully, the doctor guides the tip of the catheter through the vagina and cervix, and deposits the embryos into the uterine cavity.

After the catheter is removed, it is handed over to the embryologist who checks it to ensure that no embryos remain. All the embryos replaced are transferred at the same time.

A successful pregnancy is related to the ease with which the embryos are transferred into the womb.

A Dummy or trial embryo transfer is usually performed before scheduling IVF.

If difficulties are anticipated the procedure is guided by ultrasound scan and some women may need sedation or a general anaesthetic.

The extra embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.

Implantation begins three to four days later.

Once the eggs have been removed, the follicles start to produce a hormone called progesterone to stimulate the endometrium to become thick and prepare it for implantation. In addition, it reduces uterine contractions. However, the amount of progesterone produced by the follicles is usually not enough to support the lining of the uterus, especially if given the agonist to achieve down-regulation. After the embryos are transferred to the womb, the progesterone supplementation that begins on the evening of the egg retrieval procedure continues for another 14-15 days to assist implantation.

• Daily intramuscular injections e.g. Gestone
• Daily oral tablets of Duphaston
• Daily vaginal pessaries e.g. Cyclogest or Uterogestan
• Daily vaginal gel e.g. Crinone

• No intercourse or orgasms until the fetal heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, or the pregnancy test is negative
• No exercises / heavy lifting
• No swimming, douching, using tampons or tub baths,
• No smoking or alcohol
• Do not take any other medications without our approval
• You may return to normal activity and work after 2-3 days