Frozen Embryo Transfer

In a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), we thaw and implant an embryo,whichhas been cryopreserved,into your uterus. These embryos were harvested but not used in the previous fresh IVF cycle, and then frozen (using cryopreservation), after 24, 48 or 72 hours in culture and also at blastocyst stage.

70% of all fresh IVF cycles result in high quality blastocyst stage embryos, which you can opt to freeze for the future. The embryos remain viable for an infinite amount of time after they have been frozen. They present an option if a cycle of IVF fails, or you’d like to expand your family further.

Why consider Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Aside from being less expensive, FET does not require stimulation and is less stressful as well. Stimulation is only necessary if eggs are to be retrieved for the IVF cycle. Egg aspiration is another stage that you would not need. Since we would be transferring embryos that were harvested during an earlier cycle, you would instead have estrogen and progesterone to prepare your uterus for implantation.

If choose you opt for Frozen Egg Transfer (FET), we first go over your medical records to ensure that all your tests and screening is up to date. The procedure itself is significantly less invasive than a fresh cycle; its aim, to time the transfer of the embryos to your uterus in relation to ovulation and how thick the lining of your uterus is. You could be prescribed ovulatory medication to time the transfer better. The procedure to transfer the embryo, are the same as a cycle of IVF using fresh embryos.

“We have had almost similar success rates with both fresh and frozen embryos. You must keep in mind, however, that it also depends on the number and quality of embryos that are transferred, women’s age and the cause of the infertility.”