Embryo Transfer Process - Wilcox Fertility

How are embryos placed in the uterine cavity? Dr. Wilcox will explain the process.

Catheters are used for transfer under ultrasound guidance. Many years ago, this wasn’t available and is a huge advancement in the field.

Once the patient is on the exam table, an ultrasonographer is present to place the probe on the abdomen and identify a location to deliver the embryo.

Patients have full bladders at this time so Dr. Wilcox can better visualize the upper third of the uterine cavity where the embryo will go.

Highly specialized catheters are used to deliver embryos to the uterus and the process takes about 2-3 minutes. Most patients do not feel anything during the process.

After Dr. Wilcox gets the inner guide in place, an embryologist brings in a loaded catheter with the embryo which then slides into the guide. This is all done under ultrasound guidance and Dr. Wilcox can fully visualize where the fluid has been placed and gently withdraws the catheter.

By use of improved catheters along with ultrasound guidance, placement of the embryo is optimized which has greatly improved pregnancy rates.