ABSTRACT
The basic method of embryo transfer in humans remains unchanged since its first description by Edwards et al. nearly 20 years ago.1 Traditionally, little attention has been focused on the technique of embryo transfer. It is often viewed as an unimportant variable in the success of an IVF cycle. Furthermore, clinicians are sometimes reluctant to change their habits or methods of performing embryo transfer. Many factors have been proposed to explain the disparity between embryonic development and pregnancy rates. Genetic abnormalities of embryos2 and defects in uterine receptivity have been implicated. However, much of the inefficiency of embryo implantation may stem from the embryo-transfer technique. Uterine contractions, expulsion of embryos, mucus on a catheter tip, bacterial contamination of the catheter, and retained embryos have all been associated with problematic and unsuccessful embryo transfers. Meldrum et al.3 were among the first investigators to suggest that meticulous embryotransfer technique is essential to IVF success. Subsequently, many studies, mostly retrospective, have attempted to characterize variables in technique associated with embryo-transfer success or failure. The aim of this chapter is to summarize such reports and reach a consensus regarding the embryo-transfer procedure.
