Frozen Embryo Transfer

Assisted Reproductive Technology also involves the cryopreservation of embryos, which is done routinely at RGI. The availability of frozen embryos allows the performance of very economic IVF cycles since the thawing of cryopreserved embryos and their use in a frozen/thawed embryo transfer (FET) is much less involved and less costly than the generation of fresh embryos through a new IVF cycle. Embryos have been frozen since the early 1980’s, and the subsequent transfer of these has resulted in the birth of many healthy babies. There is no increase of abnormalities in children born from frozen embryos.

Treatment:

Embryos can be frozen after fertilization at 24 hours up to 144 hours in culture. Once embryos have been frozen they can be stored for many years.

The laboratory will thaw your embryos so that the age of the embryos corresponds to the age of your uterine lining. The exact timing will depend upon the stage at which the embryos were frozen. Frozen Embryo Transfer usually takes place 2 to 6 days after ovulation. For this procedure a fine tube (catheter) is passed through the cervix and the embryos are transferred into the uterus in a minute amount of culture medium. Normally no anaesthetic or sedation is required and the procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.

Approximately two weeks after ovulation a blood test for progesterone and *hCG (pregnancy hormones) will be carried out in order to determine whether there is early evidence of a pregnancy. Menstruation does not necessarily mean that a pregnancy has not occurred. You should continue all medications prescribed by your doctor and have a pregnancy blood test until a final outcome is known. The hormone, progesterone, is essential to support the lining of the uterus. Pessaries, and in some cases injections, may be given to supplement the level of progesterone in controlled cycles.

FET Value:

The success rate using frozen/thawed embryos is comparable to fresh IVF cycles, depending on the number and quality of embryos, transferred, your age and your cause of infertility.

Next Steps:

For more information on Frozen Embryo Transfer, your next step should be:

• Obtain a Free e-Mail Consultation
• Arrange a Telephone Consultation
• Obtain an Office Consultation