Frozen Embryo Transfer Treatment Cycle (FETC)
It is common during IVF/ICSI treatment for more embryos to be produced than are required at the time. Good quality embryos remaining after the initial embryo transfer can be successfully frozen and stored.
What is frozen embryo transfer (FET)?
Frozen Embryo Transfer Treatment Cycle (FETC)
Why freeze embryos?
- It reduces the need for repeated "fresh" IVF/ICSI cycles with their associated ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
- You don’t have to go through another ovarian stimulation treatment. This can result in less stress and less medication.
- You can keep your embryos frozen to use for your second pregnancy.
- You can conduct preimplantation genetic testing on the embryos to check for common chromosomal diseases before implantation.
- Doctors may prefer to allow your uterus environment to return to normal after ovarian stimulation before implantation which would require the freezing of your embryo. Waiting may help increase the chances of successful pregnancy by providing natural embryo implantation conditions.
- It can reduce costs. Multiple transfers can be less expensive than having to go through repeated ovarian stimulations.
- Knowing that fertility declines with age, freezing your embryos when you are younger may help you ensure greater chances of pregnancy later on life. This is especially helpful for those who have planned parenthood in their 30s.
- Doctors may recommend frozen embryo transfer process if you are at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- Sometimes an event beyond your control, such as an illness, the flu, etc. would require you to cancel your fresh embryo transfer.
When are the embryos thawed?
The embryos are thawed on the day implantation is to take place. In certain cases, embryos that are frozen on day 3 are thawed and cultured for 2 days and a day 5 or blastocyst transfer is then performed. However, frozen embryo treatment starts 2 to 3 weeks prior to implantation. Doctors will prescribe oral medication during this time to prepare the lining of your uterus. Just before the implantation you may need to take hormone injections.
Frozen embryos vs fresh embryos
There is no significant difference in the pregnancy success rates between fresh and frozen embryos when embryo transfer is done after careful assessment and individualization. For some women, frozen embryo transfer treatment may often result in higher success rates than fresh embryo transfer because it gives the doctor opportunity to optimize the uterus environment to make it more receptive for pregnancy. Success also depends on the maternal age at the time of embryo freezing and several other factors
A study of fresh vs frozen embryos published in the New England Journal states, “Elective frozen embryo transfer has been shown to result in a higher live-birth rate than fresh-embryo transfer among anovulatory women with the polycystic ovary syndrome.”
The embryo transfer takes place approximately 3-5 days after the egg has been retrieved and mixed with sperm for fertilization to take place. The fresh or frozen embryos can be then implanted into the uterus.
The actual implantation is conducted the same way for both fresh and frozen embryo transfer.
Frozen embryo transfer cost
Xenith offers the best frozen embryo transfer treatment in PCMC, Pune. The cost for hormone replacement frozen embryo treatment may be slightly more than a natural cycle, but is the most commonly used method for preparing the uterine lining during FET. Our cost includes monitoring, hormonal support and the actual transfer costs. At Xenith Advanced Fertility Centre we make the cost as effective as possible for couples.