Frozen Embryo Transfer

Frozen Embryo Transfer – Enhancing IVF Success Rates

In a natural cycle, only one egg is released, limiting the number of embryos for transfer. However, through ovarian stimulation in IVF using HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin) injections, multiple eggs are produced, allowing for more embryos. These embryos can be frozen and stored for future use, providing additional opportunities for pregnancy without the need to repeat the IVF cycle. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) enables patients to utilize these frozen embryos later, offering more chances for success. Contact DOREN-GYNAECARE IVF to learn about FET and how it can optimize your IVF journey.

Key Insights into Frozen Embryo Transfer

Freezing Healthy Embryos During IVF Cycles

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing and transferring embryos from a previous IVF cycle into the uterus. The IVF process begins with fertilizing multiple eggs through sperm mixing or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), resulting in healthy embryos. These embryos are cultured for five to six days until reaching the blastocyst stage. On day 5 or 6, embryos are typically frozen.

Patients often choose to freeze extra high-quality blastocyst embryos after transferring the best ones into the uterus. The freezing method, vitrification, involves rapid freezing with cryoprotectants to preserve the embryos. These are stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures of -196°C. When ready, frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus with minimal preparation, offering a convenient and less invasive option for future cycles.

Frozen vs. Fresh Embryos: Which Has Better Success Rates?

Frozen embryos, stored for future use, differ from fresh embryos that are created and transferred during the same IVF cycle. Freezing embryos allows for better timing and the option to perform genetic testing before transfer. Due to improved techniques like vitrification, success rates for frozen embryos are now comparable to or even higher than fresh embryos. Studies suggest FETs often result in better implantation rates, fewer cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and fewer complications overall. However, age, embryo quality, and reproductive health remain important factors in success.

Preparing for a Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle

FET preparation is slightly different from fresh embryo transfer. Before starting, a thorough evaluation, including a transvaginal ultrasound, ensures that the uterus is healthy and free of abnormalities. Over two weeks, hormone treatments prepare the uterus for embryo transfer. In an FET cycle, medications like progesterone and estrogen are used to suppress ovarian function and ready the uterine lining. After a positive pregnancy test, these hormones continue for 10-12 weeks, gradually tapering based on clinical monitoring.

Advantages of Frozen Embryo Transfer

FET offers several benefits, including avoiding the need for repeated egg retrievals, sperm collections, and fertilizations. It reduces physical, emotional, and financial stress while improving flexibility, timing, and success rates. FET makes the most of existing embryos, increases the likelihood of pregnancy, and allows patients to control the timing of their treatment.

Get in Touch with DOREN-GYNAECARE IVF for FET

At DOREN-GYNAECARE IVF, our experienced and caring fertility specialists are ready to help. Whether you’re considering FET or have questions about the process, we’re here to provide the support and information you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

If you’re considering IVF or fertility care, discover how the expert team at DOREN-GYNAECARE IVF | FERTILITY can support you on your journey to building the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Frozen Embryo Transfer