It is one of the very important part of IVF cycle. It is last stage in IVF process. Frozen embryo transfer is very important stage in improving chances of pregnancy in IVF, specially in cases like PCOD, adenomyosis, endometriosis, waiting of report of genetic testing of embryos, etc. Frozen embryo transfer not only increase chance of pregnancy but also prevent complications like ovarian hyperstimulation. So let me explain you this in details.
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
Once stage of controlled ovarian stimulation is complete. Patient is given trigger injection and on day of trigger injection hormonal test are done. Then approximately 34 to 36 hours after trigger injection eggs are retrieved. On day of egg retrieval endometrial thickness is noted , also hormonal test results are also screened, also chances of ovarian stimulation syndrome is look after and then it is decided whether to do embryo transfer immediately in same cycle approximately 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval which is also called as Fresh embryo transfer or to go for embryo freezing. When embryo is frozen and then transfer in subsequent cycle then that is called called as Frozen embryo transfer.
Why do couples choose FET?
There are many reasons to choose FET:
- Extra embryos formed: whenever if IVF cycle there are extra embryo apart from embryos transfer in fresh cycle then they are frozen. It help patient to have backup, If fresh embryo transfer cycle fails then they don’t have to go for ovarian stimulation again. The excess embryos which are frozen can be transfer in next cycle.
- Better chances of pregnancy: Sometimes whenever conditions are not good for implantation of embryo in fresh transfer then it is always better to freeze embryo and transfer in subsequent cycle. This will increase there chances of pregnancy.
- Prevention of side effects: In condition like PCOD women have risk of having ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. To decrease this risk Freezing of embryo and doing Frozen embryo transfer is better choice.
- Waiting for Genetic testing result: In some couple we may have to opt for genetically testing embryo before transferring it. In all such cases we need to freeze embryo before result of genetic testing is available in order to choose healthy embryo.
- Couple planned to postponed pregnancy: If couple is planning to postponed pregnancy for some reasons like courier growth, planning for cancer treatment ,ect then they may opt for freezing embryo at early age like before 30 or 35 so as to decrease chances of having genetically abnormal baby in future and also it help to keep there chances of pregnancy high in future as compared to their age.
- If women need to undergo laparoscopy procedure like myomectomy: If women is having fibroid which may impact implantation, in that condition she may have to undergo myomectomy that is removal of fibroid before actually going for embryo transfer. In these cases also we need to freeze embryo and then do frozen embryo transfer after myomectomy surgery.
How does the FET process work?
It is very easy procedure.
- Firstly the month in which we want to do transfer is decided depending upon medical condition and/or availability of genetic report.
- Then women is asked to come on second day of period in order to do Transvaginal scan, in order to rule out ovarian cyst or any other abnormality.
- Necessary hormonal test and blood investigations are done.
- Then medicine to make endometrium ready for pregnancy is started.
- Endometrium is monitored regularly with the help of ultrasound.
- Once specific endometrial thickness is reach, progesterone is started and embryo transfer is planned.
- Frozen embryo transfer usually happens around 19th day of period.
- It usually doesn’t require anaesthesia
- Patient can go back home on same day after procedure.
Is FET safe and successful?
Yes! FET is safe and very common. In fact, many studies show that frozen embryos can give equal or sometimes better pregnancy results compared to fresh ones. Also, babies born through FET are just as healthy.
Final Words
Frozen embryo transfer is one of the advance technology in IVF which has improved chances of pregnancy in many cases and also helped to decrease chances of many complications. Whenever you plan for IVF , you definitely discuss with your doctor regarding this wonderful technology.
