In Vitro Fertilization: What is the Mock Transfer Process?

Not all fertility specialists will require you to have a mock transfer process during your in vitro fertilization journey. However, many studies have shown that having the mock transfer process prior to the actual transfer of the embryos into your uterus increases chances of pregnancy.

Understanding the Mock Transfer Process

You can consider the mock transfer process, also referred to as the mock embryo transfer process, as simply a synthetic in vitro fertilization. The reasoning for the process is for the doctor to be able to assess your cervix to make sure there are no abnormalities such as tumors, cysts or anything else that could possibly halt the IVF (as well as to measure the length and depth of your uterus).

Many women report that the process of the mock transfer is similar to a regular pelvic exam; you will be in the same position and a speculum will be used as well. The doctor will insert a catheter, usually a Wallace catheter, into your cervix and uterus. You may experience pain and a cramping sensation during this process. Most physicians will suggest taking 600mg of Ibuprofen a half hour prior to the procedure.

It is during the insertion of the catheter that the doctor will learn the measurement of your uterus and find out what type and size of catheter he should use during the actual embryo transfer process. Most physicians will also use an ultrasound to help them guide the catheter properly. This process will be repeated during the actual embryo transfer; consider the mock transfer as a practice run for you and the doctor. Downtime is generally not necessary but some women do experience some mild to moderate pain after the process and may want to take the rest of the day off of work.

When a Mock Transfer Process Is Performed

There are two times when the mock transfer can be completed. The doctor may choose to do the procedure weeks or even months prior to the actual process of transferring the embryos. The mock transfer process should be done during days three through eleven of your menses cycle. The process can be done before you even begin the cycles of medication necessary during the in vitro fertilization process.

The other time that the mock transfer process can be done is right before the actual embryo transfer. Generally. the doctor will not wait until the day the embryos are to be deposited because he will want to make sure he is not met with any surprises and has all of the correct tools necessary to do the actual embryo deposit.

Speak to your doctor about the mock transfer process and learn if he plans to do this as part of your in vitro fertilization process. Some studies have revealed the reason that some women did not become impregnated after the actual embryo process was due to poor transfer technique. It can be hypothesized that the doctor did not deposit the embryos correctly or in the right place. Had he done a mock transfer, the in vitro fertilization for these women may have been a success.

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