Frozen Embryo Transfer

The vitrification process

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is the process of cryopreserved embryos being thawed and transferred to the uterus. You may ask to freeze and store any extra embryos that are not used in the first cycle for a variety of reasons. You may want a second child or have had a failed initial cycle. In some cases, your hormonal profile and/or uterine lining is not optimal during a fresh IVF cycle. Before the embryos are transferred, blood tests and ultrasound scans are conducted. This enables the physician to identify the appropriate point in the patient’s cycle to transfer the embryos. Hormone medication may be needed to prepare for the transfer.

You have a higher chance for a successful pregnancy with the development of the flash freezing process, known as vitrification. Until vitrification was introduced a decade ago, frozen embryos had a very low implantation and live birth rate. There were various reasons for the low numbers. One of the primary issues was the freezing process itself. The slow freezing method enabled ice crystals to form within the embryo, which damaged it to the point at which they were not longer viable. Fortunately, with the develop

FET with Hormonal Support

For patients with irregular cycles and/or time constraints, their physician may recommend FET with hormonal support. In this case, hormones such as
estrogen and progesterone are administered to suppress or control ovulation as well as ensure that the patient’s uterine lining is prepared for the transfer. Embryo transfer takes place on the third or fifth day of progesterone
support.

FET Natural Cycle

Natural FET cycles, on the other hand, do not involve medications that control ovulation, instead, it is based on when ovulation naturally occurs. The patient’s doctor closely monitors her menstrual cycle through blood tests and ultrasound to identify the optimal day for embryo transfer. The frozen embryos are thawed and are transferred to the uterus.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

**Click here to see the guidelines.

Need more info?

Email us at family@fertile.com if you have any questions before signing up for a consultation. Our expert team is happy to assist you.

Frozen Embryo Transfer