Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing previously frozen embryos and transferring them into the uterus. This process offers hope for those facing fertility challenges, allowing embryos from an earlier IVF cycle to be used, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

What is FET?
Why is FET Recommended?
How It is Done?
Things to Remember for FET
FAQ'S

What is FET?

FET is a fertility treatment where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus. This process allows couples to use embryos created from a past IVF cycle, maximising their chances of pregnancy without undergoing a new cycle.

FET is often recommended if initial IVF cycles don’t result in pregnancy, or if couples wish to delay pregnancy. It can also be beneficial for those with specific medical conditions or lifestyle factors affecting their current IVF cycle.

Fertility clinics like Birla provide comprehensive support through the whole FET process, including personalised care, thorough monitoring and expert advice to optimise your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Why is FET Recommended?

FET is a valuable option in IVF that offers several benefits:

Flexibility in Timing: FET allows you to schedule the transfer at a time that suits you best, which can be especially helpful if you need to focus on your health or personal circumstances before proceeding with pregnancy.
Improved Success Rates: Using frozen embryos can lead to higher success rates in IVF. Studies show that embryos thawed from cryopreservation often implant more successfully, leading to healthier pregnancies.
Reduced Ovarian Stimulation: FET eliminates the need for additional ovarian stimulation, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and minimising the associated side effects.
Better Control Over the Cycle: By transferring embryos at a later date, doctors can better synchronise the transfer with your uterine lining, enhancing the chances of successful implantation.
Preservation of Embryos: Freezing embryos preserves your unused embryos for future use. This means that if the current cycle does not result in pregnancy, you still have viable options for future attempts.
Healthier Embryos: Sometimes, freezing and thawing can help in selecting the most viable embryos, as some studies suggest that the process may naturally select embryos that are more likely to succeed.

How It Is Done?

FET is a part of assisted reproductive technology where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred to a woman’s uterus. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

Preparation: Before the transfer, the patient’s uterus is prepared using hormone medications like estrogen and progesterone. This helps to create a receptive environment for the embryo.
Monitoring: During preparation, regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are performed to monitor the lining of the uterus and hormone levels.
Thawing Embryos: On the day of transfer, frozen embryos are carefully thawed in a controlled environment. The embryologist ensures that they survive the thawing process and are in good condition.
Embryo Transfer: The selected embryo(s) are loaded into a thin, flexible catheter. This catheter is gently inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, where the embryo is released. The procedure is typically painless and does not require anaesthesia.
Post-Transfer Care: After the transfer, patients may be advised to rest and continue taking hormone medications to support embryo implantation.
Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the transfer, a blood test is done to check if the embryo has been successfully implanted and pregnancy has begun.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

Best-in-class
Pregnancy Rate

With a team of 120 fertility experts, state-of-the-art embryology labs, and world-class technology, we achieve outstanding pregnancy rates

95% Patient
Satisfaction Score

We offer personalized treatment plans and comprehensive fertility services, ensuring exceptional fertility care under one roof.

100% Transparent &
Affordable Pricing

We are committed to making world-class fertility treatments affordable and accessible. We offer fixed price all-inclusive packages and 0% EMI options with no hidden charges.

Our Doctors

Gurgaon – Sector 14, Haryana

Dr. Prachi Benara

MBBS (Gold Medalist), MS (OBG), DNB (OBG) PG Diploma in Reproductive and Sexual health

Years of experience: 16+

Number of cycles: 3000+

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Kolkata , West Bengal

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

MBBS, DGO, FRCOG (London)

Years of experience: 34+

Number of cycles: 10,000+

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Kolkata, West Bengal

Dr. Swati Mishra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Years of experience: 20+

Number of cycles: 3500+

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Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) DNB (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Infertility Specialist

Years of experience: 13+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Dwarka, Delhi

Dr. Shilpa Singhal

MBBS, M.S., Diploma in Reproductive Medicine

Years of experience: 11+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Deepika Mishra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Years of experience: 14+

Number of cycles: 2500+

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Things to Remember for FET

Before the Treatment

Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your medical history and medications. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Pre-Procedure Testing: You may need blood tests or ultrasounds to check hormone levels and uterine lining.
Medication: Follow the prescribed hormone treatments.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid smoking and alcohol, and follow recommended lifestyle changes.

During the Treatment

Embryo Preparation: The frozen embryos are thawed and assessed for quality.
Uterine Preparation: Your doctor may perform a transvaginal ultrasound to guide the placement of the embryos.
Transfer: Using a thin catheter, the embryos are gently placed into your uterus. The procedure is usually quick and minimally invasive.

After the Treatment

Rest: You will be advised to rest for a short period. Resume normal activities as recommended by your doctor.
Monitor Symptoms: Expect some mild cramping or spotting. Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments for blood tests to check hormone levels and confirm if implantation is successful.
Emotional Support: The process can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

FET is the acronym of Frozen Embryo Transfer. It is the process of thawing embryos and transferring them into the uterus.

Not all embryos survive the freezing and thawing process. The risk of damage of destruction of embryos during the treatment depends on the quality of the embryo prior to being frozen.

Success rates of Frozen Embryo Transfer cycles have increased due to advancement in freezing techniques and equal those of fresh embryo transfers. The treatment outcome also largely depends on factors such as maternal age and cause of infertility.

Embryos are frozen on day 2 (cleavage state) or day 5 (blastocyst stage) of their culture.

Successful transfers do not depend on the duration for which the embryos were stored. Frozen embryos are stored at -200°C in suspended animation and will not deteriorate with time if the temperature is maintained.