Frozen Embryo Transfer

During the procedure a catheter is inserted through the cervix and the embryos are placed into the uterus. The frozen embryo transfer usually takes about 15 minutes. The success rate of frozen embryo transfer is almost as successful as standard In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Transfer of frozen embryos occurs when there are “extra” embryos after a conventional IVF cycle. A “fresh” transfer is usually preferred. However, some doctors recommend the elective transfer of frozen embryos, also called the “freeze-everything” approach, where a new transfer is not attempted. In this case, all the embryos are cryopreserved and transferred to a FET cycle in the next month or so.

FET-IVF Procedure

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a type of IVF treatment where a cryopreserved embryo created in a full IVF cycle is thawed and transferred to a uterus. FET typically uses “extra” embryos a couple has from a previous conventional IVF cycle. A cryopreserved embryo can also be a donor embryo

FET Natural Cycle

In a “natural” FET cycle (where no medications are used before the embryo transfer), the cycle is tracked for ovulation using blood tests to monitor the hormone levels. The cycle is monitored closely at home with ovulation prediction tests or at the fertility clinic with ultrasounds and blood tests. Because ovulation prediction kits are not always easy to interpret, most doctors still rely on ultrasound and blood tests to transfer time.
When ovulation is detected, progesterone supplementation is started and the date of embryo transfer is scheduled.

Risks of the FET-IVF

Embryo transfer has risks, including an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and a very small risk of infection. Depending on how many embryos are transferred, the chance of multiple pregnancy may also be higher (which comes with its own set of risks for a pregnant person and the foetuses they are carrying)
A meta-analysis found that pregnancies and children from frozen embryo transfers may, in fact, be healthier than those resulting from fresh embryo transfers