Just had IVF transfer- nervous and have questions

[claire611]

Hi- I had my first transfer yesterday. I was told to drink 32 oz of water prior to my appt time but wasn't taken back for over an hour. At that point I was in severe discomfort and couldn't hold it in so I was told to release some which I did several times but it didn't help much. During the actual transfer I had uncontrolled release of urine and am now worried that this may have affected the process. Has this ever happened to anyone before and if so what was your results? Also because of my discomfort I was unable to ask any questions because I was soley concentrating on holding my urine in. Is it normal practice for a clinic to check the catheter after to be sure that the embryos have transferred?  I'd really appreciate any response.

[claire611]

Sarge- Interesting how that clinic didn't say anything specific about drinking. Thanks for clarifying how the whole procedure works. My mind was only focused on holding in my bladder that I didn't hear anything else that was going on. Do they check the catheter in the same room (silly question) right after the transfer or do they take it back to the lab (which I assume) and then examine it?   Also, I just found out from my Dh that the first catheter that they placed bent (it's so strange how I was totally unaware of this, the valium might have had something to do w/that as well!) and they had to use a wider one. Are the embryos already inserted in the catheter before its placed or is it like w/an IUI, do the embryos get injected after the catheter is placed? The reason I ask is because I did a mock transfer and I wonder if they felt confident already knowing what size catheter to use.

ZevasMom- Wasn't the pain awful? Good for you at being able to hold it in!  I wish I could have! I did call and they said I shouldn't worry abou it. Thanks for your advice.

Crossing- Seems that it's standard procedure to check the catheter after placement which is good to know. Thanks for the luck. :-)

Dena- That's great that you were able to see your embryos get inserted. They didn't show me. :-(  And it makes a lot of sense to have you lay down afterwards. For 6 hours no less!  Congratulations to you!  Was this your first IVF?

Neens- Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I'm not the only one out there that had such a difficult time w/my bladder.  Thanks for the luck. :-)

[neens786]

i was told to drink plenty before my transfer, however i was in alot of pain as i was still bloated from my egg recovery i asked the nurses if i could  go and release some they said it was fine,  when they so my bladder on the screen it was huge !!!!!!! i was still bursting to go to the toilet. i do remember when the transfer was complete they did check the catheter to see if the embryo had been transferred.  good luck!!!!!!!

[Dena01]

I guess every centre is different. Before my 1st transfer in May I was asked to empty my bladder because I would have to remain lying down for 6 hrs after the transfer. I saw my lil embies floating around in my uterus when they were put in. I had to remain lying down for the next 6 hrs....I dont really know if the lying down really helps...but deep inside I would like to believe it did help a little among a lot of other factors too...coz am now 27 weeks preg expecting twins. Good luck all of u.

[crossing_our_fingers]

I think that you'll be fine. The lab checked the catheter after my transfer to make sure the embryos were no longer in it. The reason they want you to have a full bladder is so they can see the catheter going into your uterus. Best of luck!

[ZevasMom]

My RE also requires 32 ounces of water an hour before the transfer... The RE also has someone check the catheter to ensure no embryos remain... I don't know about the urine thing, I remember being in pain because I had to "go" so bad!! I would call the office and ask the nurse... Keep us posted...

[sarge1]

I had my first IVF in October. I was told to have a light meal before the transfer, but nothing specific about drinking.  It is normal practice for my surgery center to make sure the embroys have transferred out of the catheter.  The RE watches the whole thing on the ultrasound, but then after the transfer he has someone else check the catheter and verbally communicate the "all clear" before he lets me leave.  
Not sure if that helps any.