Ultrasound guided embryo transfer is the most efficient technique currently available and that's what my doctor's office does. Here is some information I found online about the actual embryo transfer procedure:
- The embryo transfer procedure seems very similar to a Pap smear for the woman. There should be no pain and no sedation or other drugs are required. It is best to have a moderately full bladder for embryo transfer. This helps in 2 important ways. It allows good ultrasound visualization of the catheter which helps with smooth and proper transfer of the embryos to the best location, and it also unfolds the uterus to a more accommodating angle,making the process smoother and less traumatic for the uterine lining and the embryos.
- The embryo transfer catheter is loaded with the embryos and the physician passes it through the cervical opening up to the middle of the uterine cavity. Abdominal ultrasound is used simultaneously to watch the catheter tip advance to the proper location.
- When the catheter tip reaches the ideal location, the embryos are then "transferred" (squirted out of the catheter) to the lining of the uterine cavity (endometrial lining) by the doctor. After the embryos are transferred, the catheter is slowly withdrawn and checked under a microscope for any retained embryos. If an embryo is retained in the catheter (uncommon) the transfer procedure is repeated immediately and the catheter is checked again.
She did say that the doctor will be going over our embryo report with us prior to the procedure. I'm guessing this is when we will discuss their recommendation on how many to transfer. I know the maximum for me will be two embryos, but if our embryos are still doing really well - they may recommend just one. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
We are really excited for tomorrow and thankful that the entire process has gone so smoothly for us. Hopefully this is another step in the right direction of us becoming parents!