Frozen Embryo Transfer is the transfer of embryo that was retrieved in the previous cycle and frozen. The frozen embryo is thawed and implanted to the uterus. In frozen embryo transfer, the patient does not have to undergo the entire cycle of IVF. The success rate of frozen embryo transfer is same as of fresh embryo transfer.
Frozen Embryo Transfer is recommended in two cases;
• When previous IVF cycle has failed.
• When the couple desires to postpone pregnancy or have another child.
Frozen Embryo Transfer are relatively less invasive than fresh embryo transfer. It is performed as a part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). It can take place during natural cycle. The frozen embryo is thawed before implantation for its age to correspond with the age of endometrium (lining of uterus). The thawed embryo is placed inside the uterus at the time of ovulation depending upon the thickness of endometrium. It is to be noted that not all embryos survive cryopreservation. Thus, before the procedure embryos are evaluated to check whether they are ready to be implanted. During frozen embryo transfer procedure, a catheter is inserted inside the cervix through which embryo is placed inside the uterus. The entire procedure takes about fifteen minutes for its completion. Pregnancy test after frozen embryo transfer takes place after two weeks of implantation.
Frozen embryo transfer is almost as successful as conventional IVF. However, the success rate of frozen embryo transfer depends upon several factors such as, quality of embryo, number of embryos, cause of infertility and maternal age. The live birth rate with FET is 50% in women under 35 years of age.
Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center has numerous frozen embryo transfer success stories.
Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure begins at the end of menstrual cycle i.e., after periods. Because the normal ovulation is suppressed by hormonal changes therefore, depending upon progesterone commencement day and development of embryo transfer, the day of embryo transfer is decided.
The possible symptoms after a frozen embryo transfer are as follow: