In a natural ovulation cycle, typically one egg is ovulated, which limits the number of embryos available for transfer. However, with ovarian stimulation in an IVF treatment cycle using human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) injections, multiple egg-containing follicles are produced, allowing for the creation of more embryos. This enables the freezing of healthy embryos for future use.
As a result, patients can benefit from additional chances of pregnancy without undergoing a full IVF treatment cycle again. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) offers an opportunity to use these frozen embryos at a later time, significantly impacting your potential IVF success rates. Netcare IVF|Fertility, should you choose to repeat an IVF cycle or another pregnancy. To learn more about the process and advantages of frozen embryo transfer, reach out to our office today to book a consultation with our fertility specialists.
Freezing Excess Healthy Embryos During an IVF Treatment Cycle
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a procedure in which a frozen embryo from a previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is thawed and transferred into a woman’s uterus. The IVF process begins with fertilizing multiple eggs, either by mixing eggs with sperm or using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with the goal of creating several healthy embryos. These embryos are typically cultured for five to six days until they reach the expanded blastocyst stage. On days 5 or 6, the embryos are usually frozen.
Couples may choose to freeze additional healthy blastocyst embryos after transferring one or two of the best quality embryos into the uterus. The freezing process, known as vitrification, is a rapid freezing method that uses cryoprotectants to protect the embryos. The embryos are then placed in small containers, or “straws,” which are stored in goblets and placed in tanks of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C.
If the couple decides to attempt pregnancy again in the future, these frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus without the need for extensive preparation, offering a convenient option for subsequent cycles
Frozen embryos are embryos that have been cryopreserved for future use, while fresh embryos are created and transferred during the same IVF cycle. Freezing embryos allows for better timing and the opportunity for genetic testing before transfer.
Success rates for frozen embryos have become comparable to, or even higher than, fresh embryos in recent years, due to improved freezing techniques like vitrification. This advancement contributes significantly to the overall IVF success rates we observe today.
Studies show that frozen embryo transfers (FET) often result in better implantation rates, lower rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and fewer complications. However, success still depends on factors like age, embryo quality, and overall reproductive health.
The preparation for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) differs slightly from that of a fresh embryo transfer. Before proceeding with a frozen embryo transfer, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a transvaginal ultrasound, to confirm that your uterus is in good condition and that there are no gross abnormalities in your ovaries.
Following a course of hormone medications over about two weeks, your uterus will be sufficiently prepared to receive the frozen embryos. In a hormone-controlled FET cycle, medications are used to suppress ovarian function and prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
Hormonal medications, such as progesterone and estrogen, are typically continued until around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy in IVF clients with a positive pregnancy test after a frozen embryo transfer (FET), as long as the pregnancy is progressing normally. The medications are gradually tapered down based on clinical monitoring and the guidance of the fertility specialist to support the transition to the body’s natural hormone production.
Frozen embryo transfer provides significant advantages by avoiding the need for repeated cycles of egg retrieval, sperm collection, and fertilization. It minimizes physical, emotional, and financial burdens while enhancing flexibility, timing, and success rates. This approach allows for the efficient use of existing embryos, provides a better chance for successful pregnancies, and gives patients more control over their fertility treatment timelines.
Our compassionate and dedicated fertility specialists at Netcare IVF | Fertility are here to assist you. Whether you’re ready for a consultation or simply have questions about FET, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to provide the information and support you need.
Reach out to us through the following contact details: Call or WhatsApp on +234 0703 028 4487
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