Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — December 2025.
Embryo transfers can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. To help you feel more comfortable, let’s break down what to expect during the procedure and how to prepare. You can always ask your healthcare team any questions you have.
What is an embryo transfer?
An embryo transfer is a procedure to place an embryo into the uterus with a small, thin catheter (tube). This tube often has the consistency of a spaghetti noodle.
- A fresh embryo transfer is done just a few days after retrieving the egg.
- A frozen embryo transfer uses an egg that was retrieved in a prior cycle, frozen, and thawed.
What should I do in the days leading up to the procedure?
The best thing you can do is stay as healthy as possible. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean making extreme changes. Eating well-balanced meals and getting moderate physical activity most days is great.
It’s also important to prioritize sleep and find healthy ways to manage stress, like deep breathing, meditation, light physical activity, or talking with others who understand what you’re going through.
What will an embryo transfer feel like?
The embryo transfer is not painful. But it may be uncomfortable, since you’ll need to have a full bladder. Why is a full bladder needed?
Embryo transfers are guided with an abdominal ultrasound while the speculum exam is done. A full bladder allows the doctor to properly see the abdominal ultrasound. It also helps straighten out the angle between the cervix and uterus. (A straighter passageway makes it easier to pass the catheter into the uterus.)
What is the recovery time?
Generally, an embryo transfer is done without medicine or only using medicine to help calm the nerves. It’s rare to use anesthesia.
This means there’s no real recovery time and you can go home quickly after the procedure. Once home, you can go about your daily activities. It’s a good idea to take the day off from work so that you’re not stressed.
When will I find out if it was successful?
Most embryo transfers are done when the embryo is already at the blastocyst stage (a small ball of cells, a few days after the sperm meets the egg). The blood pregnancy test is 8 to 10 days after the embryo transfer.
It’s recommended to do a pregnancy test with bloodwork instead of urine, because urine tests aren’t always correct. This is a big event in your life — you want an accurate result.
If you have any questions about embryo transfer, get in touch with your Progyny Care Advocate. We’re here for you!
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.