A frozen embryo transfer cycle

The main difference between a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle and a conventional IVF protocol is the absence of hormonal stimulation and follicular puncture stages. In the frozen embryo transfer cycle, cryopreserved embryos are thawed and then transferred into the uterus. Here you will find more information.

Where do these embryos come from? Thanks to hormonal stimulation as part of the IVF protocol, a woman matures many follicles (an average of 8 to 15). The best of them undergo selection for subsequent fertilization, and this makes it possible to obtain several embryos at once. In one protocol, 1-2 embryos (for a woman under 35 years old) and 1-3 embryos (for a woman over 35 years old) can be transferred into the uterus. Spouses can freeze the remaining embryos for future attempts.

Embryos are preserved with the help of modern technology known as “vitrification”. This is an ultra-fast freezing, so that there is no time for ice crystals to be formed, and thus the post-thawing survival rate of embryos exceeds 90%.

The main stages of a frozen embryo transfer cycle:

Examination of a woman (a specific list will depend on how much time has passed since the previous attempt. You may have to retake only some tests).

Preparing for the embryo transfer (frozen embryos can be transferred both in a natural cycle, or in a hormone- regulated cycle. A fertility specialist decides this issue for each client individually).

Embryo thawing.

Transfer of embryos into the uterus.

Luteal phase support (a woman is additionally prescribed progesterone to prevent miscarriage).

Performing a pregnancy test (the analysis of hCG can be made as early as 10 days after transfer, while it is better to do the test in the first days of the delay).

Important: Effectiveness of fresh and frozen embryo transfers is generally comparable. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the pregnancy rate in the frozen embryo transfer cycle is slightly higher, since the most viable and strongest embryos are selected for cryopreservation.

You can learn more about a frozen embryo transfer cycle and book a fertility specialist consultation through the website or by calling 409.