Starting a family with assisted reproductive technologies is an exciting yet complicated journey. And many choose frozen embryo transfer (FET) to achieve pregnancy. Just picture the amazing potential that is waiting to be realized—potential that is frozen cells just waiting to experience the joy of parenthood. This blog emphasises the step-by-step procedure of frozen embryo transfer, highlighting the science and feelings intertwined in every carefully planned phase. Join us as we explore the world of fertility science, providing you with a glimpse into the world where dreams come true, one well-thought-out step at a time, from the delicate freezing of embryos to the optimistic moments of implantation.
What is Frozen Embryo Transfer?
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is an assisted reproductive technology where previously frozen embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) are thawed and transferred into a woman’s prepared uterus. By preserving and utilizing extra embryos from earlier IVF cycles, this technique raises the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
Here is a basic step-by-step review of frozen embryo transfer to give a general understanding of the procedure:
- Initial Assessment: Your health and medical history are reviewed by the medical team before FET.
- Hormonal Preparation: To control your menstrual cycle and provide the ideal uterine environment for embryo implantation, you may use medication.
- Embryo Thawing: To guarantee their viability, the frozen embryos are gradually thawed.>
- Endometrial Thickness Monitoring: Hormone therapy is utilized to promote uterine lining growth. It is possible to monitor the thickness with ultrasound scanning.
- Administration of Progesterone: To prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation, progesterone supplements are frequently recommended.
- Timing: The embryo’s readiness and the uterine lining’s development are the main factors that determine when to transfer an embryo.
- Embryo Transfer: A tiny catheter is used to insert a chosen embryo into the uterus. This is a painless and reasonably short process.
- Post-Transfer Monitoring: You may be told to rest for a short while following the transfer. There may be further hormonal support available.
- Pregnancy Test: To determine whether an embryo transfer has resulted in pregnancy, a blood test is typically conducted 10–14 days later.
Bottom Line
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a popular assisted reproductive method that can help individuals plan for pregnancy. In this blog, we examined each phase of the procedure—from the careful freezing of embryos to implantation—and found that frozen embryo transfer is an optimal method to achieve pregnancy. In addition, it also emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend unique circumstances and get individualized advice from an expert for a successful outcome. If you are planning for IVF with frozen embryo transfer, call us today to speak to our fertility expert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can any frozen embryo be used in a transfer?
Not every frozen embryo makes it through the thawing phase. Generally, only viable, high-quality embryos are chosen for transfer.
-
How long can embryos be frozen?
Embryos can be kept in storage for many years. However, the legal storage limit varies from one clinic to another based on their location.
-
What is the success rate of fresh embryo transfer?
The average success rate of frozen embryo transfers is 50-70%. However, this is an approximate success rate, which may vary based on an individual’s age and fertility condition.
-
Are there risks or side effects associated with frozen embryo transfer?
Frozen embryo transfer is generally safe. However, in rare cases, hormonal drugs might cause moderate side effects in some women. Seeking advice from a fertility expert is essential for individualized information.
-
On which day of the cycle is frozen embryo transfer done?
The rates of implantation are highest when embryo transfers are done on days 18 and 19 of the cycle. However, successful implantations can also occur from frozen embryo transfers made on the 17th and 20th of the cycle.
-
Are success rates lower for elective single embryo transfers?
Single embryo transfers are done to avoid multiple pregnancies and the risks associated with it. In a single embryo transfer, the healthiest embryo is selected and is known to be just as effective as multiple embryo transfers.
- When are egg and embryo freezing not possible?
Egg freezing and embryo freezing are established fertility preservation treatments. However, in some situations like fertility preservation for pre-pubescent girls (who have not yet started ovulating) or for women who cannot delay their cancer treatment, these techniques are not possible. In such situation, ovarian cortex freezing is recommended.
