Embryo transfer with no lube on the speculum

[Zibidee]

I wasn't aware that there would be no lube on the speculum during embryo transfer, it felt like the doc was just shoving it in, hence agony, tears and having to start all over again once i'd calmed down
I have only had a few cervical smears and every time they used lube.
Is it normal not to use lube for embryo transfer?
And surely they should explain this before it happens?

I've (hopefully) got my transfer next weekend so definitely keeping an eye on this thread! 😧 It sounds like an absolutely awful experience, I'm so sorry it was so bad for you

Just heard from a friend they did use lube for hers so now thinking my doc was an inexperienced idiot! Not holding much hope for the whole process.
I hope yours goes ok. I think just knowing what might happen can help prepare for the worst then anything better is a bonus!

Fingers crossed for you. Thanks, I've reached the point where I've ran out of stress and upset, spent years so sad and angry over our loss/unexplained infertility and having to watch all of our family and friends have families that I think I've just tired myself out! If one more person says "you never know, this might be your turn now" I think I'll flip 😄

I was told they wouldn't use lube but would use water ... Some of the lubricants can harm the embryos so they avoid them where possible, apparently.

I was really nervous and they agreed I could have some diazepam before transfer - that must have worked as I don't remember a thing about it!

I'm not sure if there was lube on the speculum or not for my transfers - I never felt "lubey" after, but it wasn't painfully dry?

@Zibidee I honestly can't remember if they used lube, I did have a temazepam before though so that might be why I don't remember it being particularly difficult.

I don't think I remember needing to clean myself up after so if she did use any it was minimal.

Sorry you had a horrible experience 🥺

Sounds like I should've drugged myself up with something, I think the part that upsets me is all it required was some communication to avoid the shock or to allow me to prepare myself.
This is Kings fertility by the way, I do not recommend!

Sorry you had a rough time OP. Never had lube on any of mine, so I don’t think it’s “wrong” not to, as such. Hate the process and find it painful, but not due to the lack of lube in my case. I’ve taken strong painkillers before transfer in the past, which I was told was fine. Hope you are ok.

Mine said they wouldn’t use lube as it can harm embryo, they did use water. The first one was fine but the second one was agony so I’m going to ask for some sort of sedation this time.

@Zibidee absolutely - communication is absolute key through this process!

Before my transfer I requested the temazepam and to have gas and air available (I didn't need the latter in the end but it was nice to know it was there!)

I also asked for a smaller speculum to be used if they had one.

I know it's extreme but I think if you're really struggling they can do transfer under GA but it's obviously a long longer and I imagine will need to be discussed but it's and option.

Hope you're okay, the body's a strong thing so the embryo won't of been harmed 🖤 but I know it's just now how you want transfer to go!

Thanks for the messages everyone, it's reassuring to know I'm not over reacting.
It's such a shame would should be a really exciting event can end up being so horrible.

@Zibidee was your transfer successful in the end ? I had mine and they didn't use lube. I suppose everyone is different

Hopefully it worked out for you.

Yes it was!
At my 7 week vaginal scan I checked there would be lube and made a complaint about the lack of communication during the embryo transfer but I don't think anything will really change.

Congratulations @Zibidee!

I had my transfer on Monday and I have no idea if they used lube! Wasn't painful, just uncomfortable, but it would be anyway. Tbh my expectation would be that they didn't use lube because I wouldn't want any touching the catheter/ coming into contact with the embryo. But I guess they could communicate this, especially if a lack of lube may cause pain.

There is also research that using lube had negligible difference to the success of transfer. You can Google it

@Zibidee
Hi! I hate the speculum. Each time I needed to get pap-smear, it hurt like hell. So did my first embryo transfer. I cried and 5 mins procedure took 30 mins. Thanks God fertility doctor is so understand and gentle. I even got my frozen transfer under general anesthesia 😅

My general gynocologist however is pretty annoying. Almost feel judged sometimes 😡 so I understand you...

Doctors don't want to use lube in the embryo transfer as well as in pap-smear since lube shouldn't go into your uterus and might affect the results. However they clean your cervix with some solution after they open it and put the embryos in. So using lube shouldn't be a problem. I would personally refrain from using it to maximize the chance embryo transfer.

I recently got uterine biopsy which was waaaaay scarier than embryo transfer or pap-smear as you can image but somehow I managed! Here are some tips my doctor (female!) gave me:

1. Don't think about the procedure before you sit on the examination chair.
2. Ask your doctor to use mobile speculum. It is a two piece speculum and try to hold the upper part by yourself if you can. If you can, it really distracts you from focusing in your vagina 😄
3. Instead of putting your ass upwards, try to push your self into the chair. I know it is hard when you are feeling anxious but just try.
4. I also took a vaginal pain killer the doctor prescribed me but in the anal way instead. I think it also helped since biopsy is quite painful 😔 But you won't feel any pain in the uterus during the transfer at least.

I hope these tips helps

And they wonder why people avoid having their smear test!
I wonder if these male doctors would make the same decision if someone opened their anus with a dry speculum!
And like has been said, they clean around the uterus after inserting the speculum so no reason lube could not be used.

@Zibidee I don't think I've seen a post where you haven't complained about either something or someone.

Childbirth is going to be a massive shock for you if you think these minor issues are so traumatic.

@anditgoesonandon are you aware that this is a forum where women share their experiences, ask for advice and sometimes vent to get some support from others? Who are you to tell her that her feelings are not valid... Clearly this was traumatic for her (as if infertility was not hard enough!). If you are so agitated by other women's complaints, maybe you shouldn't be here in the first place 😉

@anditgoesonandon helpful, thanks. So glad we have kind souls like you on the forum.

Again, so kind.