What is embryo transfer?
Embryo transfer (often abbreviated as ET) is the final phase of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. It involves the transfer of an embryo – a fertilized egg – back into the woman’s uterus, where implantation and subsequent pregnancy may occur.
After fertilization of the egg with sperm in the laboratory (in vitro), the resulting embryo is cultured for several days. Depending on the quality of the embryos and other medical factors, the doctor chooses the optimal time for the transfer – usually on the 5th day of embryo development.