Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock transfer is a procedure in which we do a “trial run” of your upcoming embryo transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This practice run helps us check the position of your uterus and cervical canal to determine if there will be any potential challenges with the real transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is better to know in advance if you are a difficult transfer so that we can prepare accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock embryo transfer can take place at many different time points:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a mock embryo transfer cycle, we take a uterine lining biopsy for a test called the Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n More on that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the day of the mock transfer, we will ask you to come in with a full bladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A full bladder helps visualize your uterus on ultrasound and helps push your uterus in a favorable direction for the transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you are set up, the fertility doctor will place a speculum into your vagina to visualize your cervix, much like a pap smear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A soft catheter is then passed through your cervix and into the uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The doctor will use transabdominal ultrasound guidance to help see that the catheter is in the ideal location in your uterine cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire process may only take 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mock transfer is not painful, but it is uncomfortable. You may feel some cramping when the catheter enters your cervix, but many patients tolerate it well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some fertility clinics recommend taking a mild pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol before the procedure to help with any cramping (uterine contractions) you may experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock embryo transfer is generally less uncomfortable than a saline sonogram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock transfer only requires the placement of a thin catheter through the cervix. In contrast, a saline sonogram requires the placement of a larger catheter and the infusion of fluid into the uterine cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, anesthesia is not required for a mock transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you are having a mock transfer during an egg retrieval procedure, you will be given anesthesia for the egg retrieval and have the mock transfer while you are still asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will likely experience cramping after the procedure, but it should be mild and resolve within a few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are doing a medicated mock cycle, you might experience some side effects from the medication<\/a> such as bloating, breast tenderness, or headaches. These symptoms tend to be mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you experience severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding, please contact your fertility clinic urgently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spotting or light bleeding after a mock embryo transfer is normal as the catheter may disrupt your endometrial lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please contact your fertility clinic if you experience heavy bleeding or soaking a pad within an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to prepare for a mock transfer is to follow the instructions provided by your fertility clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, you need to ensure that your bladder is full, as this will help the ultrasound visualization and may help with the passage of the catheter into your cervix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ultrasound also lets us see where the fundus (or the top) of your uterus is so that we don’t place the catheter too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main downside of a mock transfer is that it doesn’t always mimic what will happen during your actual embryo transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, your uterine position may be different<\/a> on the day of the real thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially true if your mock transfer is done after a retrieval or a random time in your cycle that doesn’t coincide with when a transfer would occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In these cases, it is difficult to know whether a mock transfer will help the actual procedure go smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock cycle is a unique treatment cycle in which you undergo all the steps of a frozen embryo transfer cycle (FET cycle), but instead of having an embryo transferred, we take a biopsy of the uterine lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, you will come to the office on cycle day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle to have a baseline ultrasound and blood work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will then start the mock transfer cycle the same way as a standard FET. I.e., you will have periodic ultrasounds to measure the thickness of your uterine lining and blood work to assess your hormone levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock cycle typically lasts approximately 18-20 days or a little over two weeks, starting on the first day of your period. The mock cycle timeline is the same as a frozen embryo transfer<\/a> cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock embryo transfer typically takes place on the day you would have a scheduled embryo transfer, usually around cycle day 18-20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is what a typical cycle might look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a calendar of what a typical FET might look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ERA biopsy is a test that may help determine if your uterine lining is receptive or ready for the implantation of an embryo. Depending on the results, the test may recommend that we alter the timing of the real embryo transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ERA is supposed to help diagnose why you may have had prior implantation failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it is unclear if the ERA biopsy improves pregnancy success rates, as there is conflicting evidence on its effectiveness. A recent randomized controlled<\/a> trial of 767 patients who underwent embryo transfer with or without the recommended ERA timing showed no difference in ongoing pregnancy rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, insurance may not cover the test costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price of a mock transfer depends on the context in which it is performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mock transfer that is part of a medicated IVF cycle<\/a> will cost a lot more than if the transfer is done together with another procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price may be upwards of $1000 if you have a mock transfer as part of an ERA test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mock ET will help us determine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, not every fertility specialist utilizes a mock ET. <\/a>Be sure to speak with your doctor if you believe you might be a difficult embryo transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue learning about the next steps in the in vitro fertilization process with the following posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make An Appointment With Dr. Robles To Discuss Your Fertility Options Today!<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"mock](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/mock-embryo-transfer-cover-image.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a mock embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is a mock transfer done?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What can I expect on the day of the mock transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it painful?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How uncomfortable is a mock embryo transfer vs saline sonogram?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is anesthesia required for a mock transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are there any side effects or risks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is bleeding after a mock transfer normal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How should you prepare for a mock embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the downsides of a mock transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other Related Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What exactly is a mock cycle?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How long does a mock cycle take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What cycle day is a mock transfer done?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"30](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/FET-timeline.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy is a biopsy performed with a mock transfer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much is a mock transfer for IVF?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"alex](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/alex-robles-md.jpeg\")
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