The transfer procedure
The embryo (or embryos) is loaded into a thin, soft catheter and gently deposited in the upper uterine cavity under ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes minutes and requires no anaesthesia. Most patients describe it as similar to a routine smear.
Why we usually transfer one
Modern IVF favours single embryo transfer (SET) where embryo quality is good. Cumulative live birth rates from sequential single transfers equal or exceed double embryo transfer, while eliminating multiple pregnancy risk.
What to do and avoid
Resume normal activities within 24 hours. Strict bed rest is not recommended and may not improve outcomes. Continue prescribed progesterone support. Avoid heavy lifting, smoking, and unnecessary medications.
Embryo transfer technique
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Guidance | Ultrasound-guided |
| Catheter | Soft and gentle |
| Number | Usually a single embryo |
Our IVF practice follows international reproductive-medicine standards.
Frequently asked
Dr Patel leads fertility care at Balaji Horizon, integrating reproductive surgery and IVF into a single plan — ethical, evidence-based and individualised, with realistic expectations and no overpromising of success.
Individualised IVF and fertility planning with honest, evidence-based counselling — and realistic expectations from the very first consultation.
Embryo transfer — the simple final step, done well
Embryo transfer is the culmination of an IVF cycle: placing the embryo into the uterus. It is quick and usually painless, but careful technique and timing meaningfully influence the chance of success.
What matters technically
A gentle, ultrasound-guided transfer that avoids trauma to the lining, correct placement, and an unhurried approach all support implantation. Experience shows in the details — which is why the same care goes into this short step as into the rest of the cycle.
How many embryos — and why usually one
Wherever appropriate we recommend single-embryo transfer. Modern blastocyst selection and freezing mean this keeps success rates high while avoiding the real risks of twin pregnancy to mother and babies. We explain the rationale rather than simply imposing it.
Fresh or frozen, and afterwards
Whether to transfer fresh or freeze for a later cycle depends on your response and lining; often a frozen transfer in a calmer cycle is preferable. Afterwards, normal gentle activity is fine — strict bed rest does not improve success, and we give you clear, myth-free guidance on the two-week wait.
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
