Embryo Transfer During IVF: What to Expect at Our Fertility Clinic in Spain
For many patients undergoing IVF treatment, embryo transfer is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of their fertility journey. After weeks of appointments, medical tests and treatment, this is the stage when the selected embryo is carefully placed inside the uterus.
If you are considering IVF treatment in Spain, you may have several questions about this procedure. How is an embryo transfer performed? Will it hurt? How long will you need to stay at the clinic? And what happens afterwards?
At URE Centro Gutenberg, our fertility clinic in Malaga, Spain, we understand how important it is to feel informed and reassured throughout your treatment, particularly when you are travelling from abroad.
In this guide, we explain what to expect from embryo transfer, how we perform the procedure at our clinic and what international patients should know before and after their appointment.
What is an embryo transfer in IVF?
Embryo transfer is the procedure in which an embryo is carefully placed inside the uterine cavity, with the aim of achieving a pregnancy.
It is one of the final clinical stages of an IVF treatment cycle, although the process does not end there. Following the transfer, patients must wait until their scheduled pregnancy test to find out whether implantation has occurred.
In most cases, a single embryo is transferred, although transferring two embryos may be considered in certain circumstances following an individual medical assessment.
The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including embryo quality, the patient’s medical history and the recommendations of the fertility specialist.
At URE Centro Gutenberg, the most appropriate approach for each patient while considering the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
When does embryo transfer take place during IVF?
In IVF treatment, embryo transfer usually takes place five or six days after fertilisation, once the embryos have developed to the blastocyst stage.
For patients undergoing IVF using their own eggs, treatment begins with ovarian stimulation, followed by ultrasound monitoring and egg retrieval.
Following egg collection, the eggs are fertilised in the laboratory using conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the medical indication.
The resulting embryos are then cultured in carefully controlled laboratory conditions while our embryologists monitor their development.
Fresh embryo transfer
A fresh embryo transfer involves transferring an embryo without previously freezing it.
At URE Centro Gutenberg, fresh embryo transfers are generally performed on day five or six of embryo development, when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage.
This approach can be used in IVF treatments with the patient’s own eggs as well as in egg donation treatments using fresh embryos.
Frozen embryo transfer
In some circumstances, embryos are frozen using vitrification and transferred during a later treatment cycle.
Frozen embryos may be used when a fresh transfer is not medically advisable or in subsequent attempts following a previous IVF or egg donation cycle.
The timing of a frozen embryo transfer depends on endometrial preparation and the individual treatment plan. Once thawed, the embryo is transferred at the appropriate stage of endometrial receptivity.
Preparing for embryo transfer at our fertility clinic in Malaga
If you are travelling to Spain for fertility treatment, knowing what to expect on the day of your embryo transfer can make the experience more comfortable.
Our international patient team will help you understand your treatment schedule and the arrangements required for your appointments in Malaga.
Before the procedure, our medical team will provide you with specific instructions.
Should you arrive with a full bladder?
Yes. At URE Centro Gutenberg, we ask patients to attend embryo transfer with a full bladder, following the instructions provided by our team.
This helps position the uterus and improves visibility during the abdominal ultrasound scan used to guide the transfer.
Can you wear perfume or make-up?
We recommend avoiding perfume and make-up on the day of embryo transfer as part of the environmental precautions followed in our assisted reproduction laboratory.
Is anaesthesia necessary?
Unlike egg retrieval, embryo transfer does not usually require anaesthesia.
It is generally a quick and well-tolerated procedure, although some patients may experience mild discomfort.
How is embryo transfer performed at URE Centro Gutenberg?
At our fertility clinic in Malaga, embryo transfer is performed in an operating theatre under abdominal ultrasound guidance.
The procedure is carried out by an experienced doctor, supported by an embryologist and a member of our nursing team.
Once you are comfortably positioned, the doctor gently inserts a vaginal speculum to visualise the cervix.
The cervix is then carefully cleaned using sterile gauze and embryo culture medium to remove any remaining medication or cervical mucus.
Next, a soft, flexible catheter is passed through the cervical canal.
Meanwhile, the embryologist prepares the selected embryo or embryos and loads them into a fine transfer catheter.
Using abdominal ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully positions the catheter inside the uterine cavity before gently releasing the embryo.
In our usual practice, the catheter tip is positioned approximately 10–15 mm from the top of the uterine cavity.
Once the procedure has been completed, the catheter is checked in the laboratory to confirm that the embryo has been released.
Throughout the process, our team takes great care to make the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
How long does embryo transfer take?
Embryo transfer usually takes around 10–15 minutes, provided there are no difficulties during the procedure.
Afterwards, you will remain in the operating theatre for a short period before returning to your room.
Most patients can leave the clinic shortly afterwards, following the advice of their medical team.
Is embryo transfer painful?
For most patients, embryo transfer is not painful.
You may experience some mild discomfort when the speculum or catheter is inserted, similar to what you might feel during a routine gynaecological examination.
Because the procedure is generally performed without anaesthesia, there is usually no need for the recovery period associated with egg retrieval.
Can an embryo transfer be cancelled or postponed?
Occasionally, the medical team may recommend postponing or cancelling an embryo transfer.
This can happen for several reasons:
- Embryo development: no embryos may be suitable for transfer.
- Endometrial preparation: the uterine lining may not be considered suitable for transfer at that time.
- Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): in certain circumstances, a fresh embryo transfer may not be the safest option.
If viable embryos are available but a fresh transfer is not advisable, they may be vitrified for use in a later cycle.
Our fertility specialists will then recommend the most appropriate preparation for a subsequent frozen embryo transfer.
You can learn more about this process in our guide to embryo freezing and frequently asked questions.
Although postponing a transfer can be disappointing, the decision is always based on the patient’s individual medical circumstances, with the aim of carrying out the procedure under appropriate conditions.
What happens after embryo transfer?
Once your embryo transfer is complete, the waiting period before your pregnancy test begins.
This is often referred to as the two-week wait, although the actual number of days depends on the stage of embryo development and the testing schedule recommended by your clinic.
It is natural to have questions about what you can and cannot do during this time.
Should you rest? Can you go for a walk? Is it safe to travel? Can you have sexual intercourse?
At URE Centro Gutenberg, we provide specific recommendations to help patients understand which activities they can continue and which precautions they should follow.
For detailed guidance, read our article Recommendations following an embryo transfer.
This explains our recommendations regarding daily activities, physical exercise, sexual intercourse and other common concerns during the days following treatment.
It is important to remember that every patient’s circumstances are different, so you should always follow the instructions given by your fertility specialist.
Can you travel home after embryo transfer in Spain?
One of the most common questions from international patients is whether they can return home after their embryo transfer.
In uncomplicated cases, travelling after embryo transfer is generally possible, and there is no evidence that ordinary travel itself prevents embryo implantation.
However, the most suitable time to travel will depend on your individual circumstances, how you feel after the procedure and whether your medical team has identified any particular risks.
If you are travelling from the UK, Ireland or another country, our team can help you understand your treatment schedule so that you can plan your return journey appropriately.
You should also continue taking any prescribed medication exactly as instructed, even after returning home.
If you experience significant pain, heavy bleeding or other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical advice rather than waiting for your scheduled pregnancy test.
When should you take a pregnancy test after IVF?
After embryo transfer, one of the biggest questions is naturally: has the treatment worked?
Although you may be tempted to take a home pregnancy test as soon as possible, testing too early can produce misleading results.
Depending on your treatment, medication and the timing of the test, an early result may not reliably indicate whether pregnancy has occurred.
At URE Centro Gutenberg, our team will tell you when to take your pregnancy test and explain the next steps.
A blood test measuring beta hCG is commonly used to confirm pregnancy following IVF treatment.
To understand the differences between home pregnancy tests and blood tests, and when results are most reliable, read our article Pregnancy test after IVF: when is it most reliable?.
Embryo transfer in Spain: personalised care at URE Centro Gutenberg
Choosing to undergo fertility treatment abroad is an important decision, and understanding each stage of the process can help you feel more confident.
At URE Centro Gutenberg, a fertility clinic established in Malaga in 1987, we have decades of experience in assisted reproduction and welcome patients from Spain and abroad.
As an independent fertility clinic, we believe in personalised medical care, clear information and transparent treatment costs.
Our international patient team supports patients throughout their fertility journey, from their initial consultation and treatment planning to embryo transfer and follow-up.
Whether you are considering IVF with your own eggs, egg donation or a frozen embryo transfer, our specialists will assess your circumstances and recommend the treatment options most appropriate for you.
If you still have questions, you can also read our guide to frequently asked questions about embryo transfer.
Would you like to discuss your fertility treatment options in Spain?
Contact our international patient team to arrange your free initial online consultation and find out how we can help you plan your treatment in Malaga.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Juan José Sánchez Rosa
Gynaecologist – Specialist in Reproductive Medicine
URE Centro Gutenbergs