Frozen Embryo Transfer
Frozen Embryo Transfer
The frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a process in which cryopreserved or frozen embryos from a previous cycle are thawed and transferred back into the uterus in order to achieve a pregnancy.
Indications
- In IVF cycles, most often, fresh embryo transfer is done. We select the best quality embryos for transfer. The surplus good quality embryos are then frozen.
- In some women, the endometrium may be thin (less than 7mm). This is not the best thickness for attaining pregnancy. In such situations, we prefer to freeze the embryos and use them later in a frozen transfer cycles. This is done while measures are taken to get a better endometrium, aiming to improve the success rate.
- Occasionally, some women, particularly with PCOS, produce more number of eggs and are at higher risk of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS). In these women, doing an embryo transfer heightens the risk of severe OHSS. Thus, we freeze the embryos and use them at a later date when the risk is reduced.
During a FET cycle, a baseline ultrasound is performed when the patient gets her periods. If the scan looks normal, estrogen supplementation is started.
Estrogen supplementation helps in improving the endometrial lining. It is continued until we get a lining of 9 -10mm. Serial ultrasound scans are performed to check the endometrial lining. The monitoring during a FET cycle is significantly less than during a conventional IVF cycle. When the endometrial lining is good, progesterone support is added and embryo transfer is scheduled. The number of days of progesterone prior to transfer depends on the day of freezing of the embryos.
Success with fresh and frozen cycles is equally good. Some studies have shown that frozen embryo transfer can give a slightly better chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) and advanced fertility care at Southern Gem Hospital in Hyderabad.
What is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a process in which cryopreserved or frozen embryos from a previous IVF/ICSI cycle are thawed and transferred back into the uterus in order to achieve a pregnancy. In an IVF/ICSI cycle, 1-2 embryos are transferred into the uterus and if excess embryos are formed, these can be frozen to sub-zero temperatures for future use. This gives the couple a chance of multiple attempts without having to go through the entire process of IVF/ICSI again.
When are embryos frozen instead of transferred fresh?
Embryos are frozen instead of transferred fresh in the following situations:
1. When surplus good-quality embryos remain after fresh embryo transfer in an IVF cycle.
2. When the endometrium is thin (less than 7mm), embryos are frozen and used later after improving the endometrial lining.
3. In PCOS patients who produce excess eggs and are at higher risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), embryos are frozen to reduce the risk of severe OHSS.
What is the process of a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle?
During a FET cycle, a baseline ultrasound is performed when the patient gets her periods. If the scan looks normal, estrogen supplementation is started to improve the endometrial lining until a thickness of 9-10mm is achieved. Serial ultrasound scans are performed to monitor the endometrial lining. Monitoring during a FET cycle is significantly less than during a conventional IVF cycle. When the endometrial lining is good, progesterone support is added and embryo transfer is scheduled.
Is Frozen Embryo Transfer successful?
Yes. Success with fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles is generally comparable. Some studies have shown that frozen embryo transfer can give a slightly better chance of pregnancy compared to fresh embryo transfer. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad has a 70% IVF/ICSI success rate supported by a Class 100 Embryology Lab.
What is OHSS and why does it affect embryo transfer decisions?
OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is a condition associated with excessive ovarian response to fertility medicines, resulting in the development of many eggs. It is particularly relevant in some PCOS/PCOD patients. Performing an embryo transfer in such cases can increase the risk of severe OHSS. In these women, the embryos may be frozen and used at a later date when the risk is reduced, making frozen embryo transfer a safer option.
Is Frozen Embryo Transfer available at Southern Gem Hospital Hyderabad?
Yes. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad offers Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) at both its Basheerbagh and Banjara Hills branches. The treatment is performed by Dr. Sweta Agarwal, Director of Fertility and Gynaecology. For appointments, call +91 40 6658 5555 or +91 80964 14440.