Embryo Transfer

Experience the pivotal IVF step where carefully cultivated embryos are placed in the uterus to help establish a healthy pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer

Experience the pivotal IVF step where carefully cultivated embryos are placed in the uterus to help establish a healthy pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer — Putting the Embryos Back in the Uterus

The embryo transfer is one of the most important and exciting steps in the IVF process. After the careful work of fertilizing and cultivating the embryos, our goal is to place them back into the uterus to establish a healthy pregnancy. Several factors are considered when determining how many embryos to transfer, including embryo quality, the patient’s age, and the risk of multiple pregnancies. The goal is always to achieve a single, healthy pregnancy while minimizing the chance of multiples. This decision is made in consultation with your physician on the day of transfer, and both partners are encouraged to be present whenever possible.

If there are additional good-quality embryos remaining, they can be frozen for future use through a process called cryopreservation. After the egg retrieval, you will receive an update about the number of fertilized embryos. Please ensure we have a reliable phone number where you can be reached, as calls are typically made before 1 PM the following day.

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Day of Transfer

Your care team will let you know when your embryo transfer is scheduled, usually during your fertilization update call.

Most transfers occur three to five days after egg retrieval, depending on how your embryos are developing.
Day 3 transfers are common and allow embryos to be placed in the uterus earlier.
Day 5 (blastocyst) transfers allow more time to observe which embryos continue to grow normally.
Both approaches can lead to successful pregnancies — timing is based on your unique situation.
The goal of extended culture is to identify embryos with the strongest implantation potential, though not all embryos will reach the blastocyst stage.
Your doctor and embryology team will determine the best transfer day based on embryo quality, development, and your treatment history.

Number of Embryos to Transfer

You and your physician will decide how many embryos to transfer on the day of the procedure.

Embryo Transfer Procedure — What to Expect

The embryo transfer is one of the most exciting moments of your fertility journey. Our team performs each step with precision and care to give you the best possible chance of success.

Preparing for Your Transfer

Arrive with a partially full bladder to help your doctor visualize the uterus clearly during the abdominal ultrasound.
Ultrasound-guided transfer is a key factor in achieving high pregnancy rates.
Our embryology team works to minimize embryo exposure to temperature and air changes before the procedure.
Physician skill, careful handling, and an advanced laboratory environment all contribute to excellent outcomes.

Inside the Procedure Room

Your doctor will review the embryo development report and discuss how many embryos to transfer.
After confirming the plan, the lab team prepares the embryos while you’re assisted into position.
A speculum is placed to view the cervix, which is gently cleansed with sterile solution.
The physician uses ultrasound guidance to align the uterus and position a soft transfer catheter.
The embryologist loads the embryos into a thin plastic catheter and hands it to the physician.
The physician places the embryos into the uterus through the catheter with precise control.
The embryologist checks the catheter afterward to confirm that all embryos have been released.
The procedure is quick, gentle, and usually painless, often compared to a Pap smear.
Most patients can watch the transfer live on ultrasound, making it a truly special and emotional moment.

Recovery and Aftercare

You can get dressed and resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
There is no medical reason for strict rest—activity does not affect pregnancy outcomes.
You may choose to take it easy if that feels more comfortable or reassuring.
Occasionally, a small leakage of fluid may occur when standing up; this is the sterile cleaning media, not the embryos.
Our team encourages you to do what feels right for your peace of mind and comfort.
Taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally can make this milestone a calm and empowering experience.

Pregnancy Test and Results

The waiting period after your embryo transfer can feel long and emotional — but we’re here to support you through it.

Your post-procedure instructions will include the date of your first pregnancy test. It’s important not to rely on home pregnancy tests, as they can sometimes produce false negatives. Even if you experience spotting or light bleeding, many women still go on to have successful pregnancies.

If your initial blood test is positive, a second test will be done about 48 hours later to confirm that hormone levels are rising appropriately — a reassuring sign that a pregnancy has begun. While there are still milestones ahead, most women with positive early results go on to have a healthy baby.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) uses embryos that were previously created and frozen during an earlier IVF cycle. These embryos are preserved through an advanced freezing process called vitrification, which minimizes damage and ensures excellent survival during thawing. Once frozen, they’re safely stored in liquid nitrogen, where the cells do not age or deteriorate. This means embryos can remain viable for many years and still result in a healthy pregnancy when transferred later.

At California IVF, fine-tuning the vitrification process has led to higher success rates with frozen transfers compared to fresh transfers. While freezing doesn’t change the embryo’s quality, it allows the uterine lining to recover after stimulation, creating a more favorable environment for implantation. This approach often leads to a 15–20% improvement in pregnancy success for most patients.

Frozen embryos can be used years—even a decade or more—after the initial IVF cycle without losing viability. Many couples return for an FET at a much lower cost than a full IVF cycle, making it an excellent option for fertility preservation and family planning flexibility.

The FET cycle involves preparing the uterus with hormone therapy to synchronize the uterine lining with the stage of the embryos.

Not all embryos survive the thawing process, though survival rates are excellent with vitrification. Our team carefully thaws only the number of embryos needed for transfer, keeping additional embryos frozen for future use.

Learn More About Embryo Transfer and FET

Whether you’re preparing for a fresh embryo transfer or considering a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), our team is here to guide you through every step with care and precision. Schedule a free tour to meet our staff, explore our facilities, and discover how our advanced techniques can help you achieve a healthy pregnancy. Patients from across the country and around the world trust California IVF Fertility Center for our experience, innovation, and exceptional outcomes.

Why Choose California IVF?

High Success Rates – Over 75% clinical pregnancy rate in patients under 40 using a single embryo that passed genetic testing.

Comprehensive Fertility Care – From initial testing and surgery to IVF, ICSI, PGT genetic screening, and donor egg/sperm programs, all under one roof.

Cost-Effective Multi-Cycle Packages – Specially designed packages that save you money per cycle while providing flexibility and ongoing support throughout your journey.

Scientific Expertise & Compassionate Care – Board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, supported by experienced nurse practitioners and embryologists, provide care in a welcoming environment.

Support You Can Trust

Our clinic is a close-knit team of dedicated professionals, creating a warm and supportive environment for every patient. We value open communication and are here to guide you through every step of your journey. While we know not every path leads to pregnancy, our team is committed to making your experience as positive and caring as possible, supporting you every step of the way.

Ernest Zeringue MD

Medical Director

Gary Gross

Linda Zeringue

FNP-BC

Ashley Cook

FNP-C

Lindsey DeBruler

DNP | FNP-BC

We are proud to announce our selection in the top 50 clinics selected by Newsweek for inclusion in the list of America’s Best Fertility Clinics. Modern medicine is what makes us great, but our staff is what really set us apart. We are currently ranked 36th in the nation!

California IVF and Insurance

California IVF provides fertility care for patients enrolled in the major insurance networks throughout Northern California. In addition to a collaborative arrangement with UC Davis, we are also contracted with Sutter Health, Dignity Health/Mercy, NorthBay Healthcare, Tricare, the VA, and most private insurance plans. Many Kaiser patients come to us when infertility and IVF services aren’t covered.

UC Davis Health System

Our collaboration with UC Davis began in July 2011. Our physicians hold university appointments, are actively involved in resident and medical student education, and have access to patient records within the UC Davis system, ensuring seamless, coordinated care.

Research and Development

We are actively involved in fertility research with several UC Davis projects focused on reproductive genetics. We are also advancing technologies that improve genetic testing of embryos and measure cellular products beyond current capabilities, helping to develop the next generation of fertility innovations.

Insurance Benefits

We partner with most major insurance networks to help patients maximize their fertility benefits. Our dedicated insurance coordinators guide patients every step of the way, ensuring they understand and make the most of their coverage.

What Our Happy Parents Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Couldn’t be more thankful for Cal IVF & Dr. Zeringue! The staff & nurses were really amazing & were always there to reassure me whenever I needed it. Got pregnant in our first IVF cycle! Will forever be so grateful for this team 🤍

Katie M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had an overall great experience with this clinic. Dr. Zeringue and his team were very professional and helpful. We had a very successful outcome.

Dana L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely incredible staff, the kindness and thoughtfulness of each and every individual person was so sincere. After trying for years, two miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy, my dreams of having a child was gone. Dr. Zeringue is the best Doctor for the job. My first time doing IVF and I am pregnant. It's all thanks to the wonderful team at California IVF. The entire process was smooth and stress-free. I 100% recommend Dr. Zeringue and his team for your IVF experience.

Rosina S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

They help make dreams come true.. Thank you ALL!!

Denea S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely love the staff at California IVF!!! Over 3 years ago we started facing our battle with fertility and received help from California IVF. Dr. Z and his staff were so supportive and helpful. Our first transfer was not successful,but we tried again and we had our daughter. Now 3 years later we are back at it again with our 2 remaining embryos. The staff remembered us right away and have been most helpful is starting up this process again.

Krisha P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Had the best experience with dr. Zeringue and his staff. After a year of trying other options with other clinics, We were successful on our first ivf cycle here at California IVF, and couldn’t be happier we are now expecting twins.

Albert A.

Questions You Might Have

How many embryos will be transferred?

The number of embryos transferred depends on several factors, including your age, embryo quality, and treatment history. California IVF follows ASRM guidelines, which recommend transferring no more than two embryos for patients under 35 and no more than three for those over 35. Your physician will help determine the safest and most effective approach.

What’s the difference between a fresh transfer and a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

A fresh transfer uses embryos shortly after fertilization, while an FET uses embryos that were previously created and frozen. FETs allow the uterus time to recover after stimulation and often result in equal or higher pregnancy success rates thanks to modern freezing techniques.

Does the embryo transfer procedure hurt?

Most patients describe the embryo transfer as quick and virtually painless, similar to a Pap smear. You’ll remain awake and can watch the procedure on ultrasound, making it both comfortable and emotionally meaningful.

How soon will I know if I’m pregnant?

A blood test (HCG) is typically performed 8–10 days after the transfer to confirm pregnancy. Home tests are not recommended, as they can give false results. Even with light spotting, many women still go on to have successful pregnancies.

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