Frozen Embryo Transfer

Assisted Reproductive Technology usually involves the cryopreservation of embryos, which is routinely done at RGI. The availability of frozen embryos allows for 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 them 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 starting 24 hours after fertilization up to 144 hours after fertilization. Once embryos have been frozen, they can be stored for many years.

The laboratory will thaw the embryos so that the age of the embryos corresponds to the age of the uterine lining. The exact timing will depend upon the stage at which the embryos were frozen. A 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 anesthetic or sedation is required and the procedure takes about 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, a woman's age and the cause of infertility.

Next Steps:

For more information on Frozen Embryo Transfer, please send us an online inquiry, so we can learn more about you and your situation.