- ABOUT
- TREATMENTS & SERVICES
Male Fertility
Genetics & Family Balancing
- SUCCESS STORIES
- CONTACT
- BLOG
After an IVF cycle, an IVF specialist orders the freezing of some or all of the embryos, depending on the circumstances. Then, the doctor transfers these embryos on specific days of the menstrual cycle after skipping a few cycles. This transfer is known as delayed embryo transfer (Delayed-ET) or frozen embryo transfer (FET), as the process uses frozen embryos. FET, or frozen embryo transfer, helps normalize the exaggerated body response to IVF injections.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the top on-list condition where the female body shows an increased reaction to IVF treatment. The patient may feel nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling (due to large-sized ovaries). The management includes medical treatment and bed rest for a few weeks so that the body’s hormones reach optimal levels again. After some time, when the patient is ready for transfer, the IVF specialist plans a frozen embryo transfer at a suitable time according to the patient’s preference and her specific menstrual cycle days.
The frozen embryo transfer cycle (FET cycle) is the specific and optimal cycle of the female patient when her doctor plans the transfer of her frozen embryos. The usual cycle time is after 1-2 months of IVF cycle. The doctor utilizes this time to treat OHSS (if applicable) or test the genetics of embryos. The doctor selects the frozen embryo transfer cycle for the patient according to the patient’s best health and general feasibility. There are no specific time limitations related to the freezing status of embryos.
The embryologist freezes these embryos in liquid nitrogen at about minus 200C. This low temperature halts all kinds of growth and development in human embryos, enabling the freezing indefinitely. When the patient wants a transfer, the doctor thaws (unfreezes) the embryos, and all the biological growths are resumed. Thus, the embryos are ready for transfer.
The IVF frozen embryo transfer no longer differs from regular fresh embryo transfer. After selecting the optimal month, the IVF specialist chooses whether to go with a natural cycle transfer or hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) cycle. In the natural cycle, doctors do not prescribe hormonal tablets; they only monitor the uterine lining with ultrasounds. In the HRT cycle, the doctor prescribes hormonal tablets or injections to increase the thickness of the endometrial (uterine) lining. When the endometrial lining reaches a specific thickness ideal for embryo implantation, the doctor carries out the embryo transfer process. The process involves widening the opening of the vagina with an instrument. The doctor injects embryos into the womb near the fallopian tubes (an ideal location for embryo implantation) with the help of a loaded flexible tube called a catheter. This process does not require invasive medical techniques and can be done as outpatient management or may require the patient to stay for a few hours at the clinic. Exceptional circumstances, such as a patient’s desire and a narrowed route, could call for general anesthesia.
IVF experts prefer frozen embryo transfer under the following conditions:
Genetic testing takes a couple of weeks. Doctors recommend freezing embryos in such cases because they cannot keep them in an incubator for an extended period. Once the embryologist freezes embryos, we have unlimited time to transfer them. The embryologist takes some parts of the embryos (called cells) for genetic testing before freezing.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a condition where the body of the female patient shows exaggerated response to IVF medications. It frequently happens with ladies having a condition called PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive ages and has no established specific etiology. Females with PCOS have multiple small-sized cysts in their ovaries. They have many follicles (primarily immature) growing during IVF medications. People with PCOS face infertility, depression, weight gain, pimples,
erratic emotions, hair loss, and unpredictable menstrual periods. Insulin, genetics, and high testosterone are a few possible contributing factors. The patient suffering from OHSS suffers from nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. The management of OHSS requires time and close care of the patient.
FET allows greater coordination between the embryo’s developmental phase and its ability to accept the uterine lining. The womb of some patients does not show better acceptability for embryos in fresh cycle transfer. Such cases fall for FET. Ladies with irregular menstrual cycles can significantly benefit from this.
Doctors recommend freezing embryos in such cases because they cannot keep them in an incubator for an extended period. Once the embryologist freezes embryos, we have unlimited time to transfer them. The embryologist takes some parts of the embryos (called cells) for genetic testing before freezing.
Sometimes, many good-quality embryos are available for transfer during the fresh cycle. IVF experts advise transferring 1 or 2 high-quality embryos. Embryologists cryopreserve (freeze) the remaining embryos for later use. Females with PCOS have multiple small-sized cysts in their ovaries.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a condition where the body of the female patient shows exaggerated response to IVF medications. It frequently happens with ladies having a condition called PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive ages and has no established specific etiology.
Fresh and frozen embryo transfers are adaptable options, but there is a general conception that FET is better than fresh cycle transfer. The actual decision relies on specific facts. Based on the situation and the condition of the embryos, a fertility specialist makes choices after considering the couple’s preferences.
A frozen embryo transfer timetable allows the treatment of OHSS. IVF medications might upset the progesterone levels in the human body. Excessively high or low progesterone levels may contraindicate the option of fresh embryo transfer. The hormone takes some time before returning to normal in these situations. An adequate amount of progesterone is essential for a successful pregnancy. FET provides time for PGT, which increases success rates and reduces the danger of transmission of inherited illnesses.
However, there are certain risks associated with frozen embryo transfer. The freezing process may cause limited scale or sometimes massive damage to the embryos. Furthermore, thawing (unfreezing before transfer) may impact the overall survival and quality of the embryo. A fresh embryo transfer is the only practical option for these embryos.
According to the research, frozen embryo transfer is a breakthrough, significantly increasing the live birth rate for women with PCOS-related reproductive problems. Another study shows that there is no significant difference in success rates between FET and fresh cycle transfer when treating women with regular periods.
Benefits of frozen embryo transfer:
The Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, the leading IVF facility in Pakistan, is committed to providing cutting-edge infertility treatments, including test-tube babies and assisted reproductive technology (ART). With an impressive 26 years of experience in IVF and assisted reproductive techniques, our team of exceptional infertility specialists and professional embryologists, with extensive experience in Pakistan and internationally, are here to help. We offer a comprehensive range of infertility treatments, including IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF, TIC (timely intercourse), cryopreservation (FET), and PGT (genetic testing). Importantly, our IVF treatments are easily accessible to patients in all major cities in Pakistan.
First consultations are free of charge at Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, online or in person. Upon receiving your medical history, an infertility coordinator doctor will schedule any necessary laboratory testing and arrange a consultation with the most suitable infertility specialist. Using the details below, you may make an appointment to see the experts at the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center in several cities in Pakistan. Schedule a free consultation with us right away. Phone : (+92)304-1112229 | Whatsapp : (+92)309 – 3332229
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is when embryos that were frozen during a previous IVF treatment are thawed and transferred into the uterus during a later cycle. It’s done for different reasons, like when the timing is better, or when embryos need genetic testing first. It gives more flexibility and can be tailored to each person’s situation.
The main steps in a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle are:
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle typically takes around 3-4 weeks from start to finish, allowing time for hormonal preparation, thawing the embryo, and scheduling the embryo transfer.
Kindly fill in the form below and your nearest Australian Concept Clinic will respond within 1 hour of receiving your request.
32-A, Rojhan Street, Block 5, Kehkashan, Clifton, Next to PRANZO Restaurant, Behind BBQ Tonight, Near BILAWAL Chowrangi, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan 75600
116 Babar Block, Barkat Market, Near Salaar Center, Lahore, 54000.
3rd Floor, Aklas Plaza, G10 Markaz, Behind Babri Masjid, Sawan Road, Islamabad.
The Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center “Australian Concept” was established in 1998 with Australian technical collaboration in Karachi, Pakistan.