Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing previously frozen embryos from an earlier IVF cycle and their subsequent transfer to the uterus. In recent years, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) has emerged as a pivotal procedure in assisted reproductive technology. FET, with its ability to allow couples to preserve embryos for future use, thereby reducing the necessity for repeated egg retrievals, resulting in an increasingly favored option among couples undergoing fertility treatment. Frozen Embryo Transfer, FET allows the storage of embryos over extended periods, which increases their utilization to the desired time, which aligns with the couple’s decision.
At Gaudium IVF, top-tier FET is ensured alongside other fertility treatments in India. This is backed up by state-of-the-art labs that adhere to stringent international protocols, providing the highest hygiene and safety standards to eliminate any possibility of human error.
Types of Frozen Embryo Transfers
There are four types of frozen embryo transfer protocols.
- Hormone Replacement Cycle – After conducting some baseline tests, the expert prescribes estrogen supplements to increase the endometrium thickness. When optimum thickness is achieved, progesterone is added, and embryo transfer is scheduled. The ideal thickness is estimated to be at least 7mm.
- Natural Cycle – There are natural cycles in which no medications are administered. The ovulation cycle is monitored, and the ovulation day is determined through an amalgamation of blood tests, scans, and urine tests. The quality and survival chances of the thawed embryos are checked on the day of the embryo transfer. They are then transferred into the uterus.
- Modified Natural Cycle – This involves some minimal medication to support the natural cycle and make it easier to time the embryo transfer. It can help as it involves fewer medications than a fully medicated cycle, but monitoring and coordination with the natural cycle are still required.
- Stimulated Cycle – This involves stimulating the ovary to produce one or two oocytes which subsequently rupture. Estrogen released from these developing follicles causes endometrial development.
Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfer
- Optimal Uterine Environment – Frozen Embryo transfer can be aligned to favorable uterine conditions, improving implantation chances.
- Reduced risk of hyperstimulation – Frozen Embryo Transfer can significantly reduce the risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation.
- Identifying genetic abnormalities – Experts conduct tests to identify any genetic abnormalities that facilitate the transfer of thegenetically normal embryos.
- Cost-effectiveness – FET eliminates the need for another IVF cycle as the frozen embryos can be used to initiate pregnancy in further cycles. It is financially viable and removes the need for ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
How is the Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure carried out?
Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure lasts for around half an hour. It involves several key steps, which can be performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The following steps highlight what the process entails:
- Endometrial development –The patient is prescribed hormonal medications that cause endometrial thickening and maturation.
- Continuous checking – Routine check-ups and ultrasonographic assessments are performed to monitor the progress.
- Thawing – The embryos are thawed before transferring to the uterus. Here, they are warmed, and the cryoprotectant is removed.
- Transfer of Embryos – Viable embryos are evaluated for their quality, improving pregnancy chances. The embryos are later implanted in the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Post transfer procedure
After the procedure of embryo transfer, we conduct a pregnancy test after approximately two weeks. A blood test is done to assess beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is secreted during pregnancy.
The embryos can be transferred in the Cleavage stage or the Blastocyst stage.
Important Considerations
- Success rates for FET can vary based on multiple factors, including the age of the patient, the quality of the embryos, and the underlying cause of infertility.
- Psychological support is recommended, during the entire procedure.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Cost In India
The costs for fertility treatments like IVF, which includes frozen embryo transfer, range between 1,00,000 INR and 2,50,000 INR. It varies across fertility clinics, geography, and patient demographics.
These days, corporations are getting ahead with structured IVF insurance policies. This is a reasonably new measure; the number of corporations dealing in IVF insurance is less than 1%. Additionally, Gaudium IVF provides low-cost EMI options, which enable people to avail themselves of high-end fertility solutions. Gaudium IVF provides this option to help couples complete their families and welcome a child into their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days does it take for the frozen embryo transfer?
According to research and practice-based expert opinion, a Frozen Embryo Transfer usually takes between 14 to 21 days, though it depends on when the desired thickness is achieved.
- How long are frozen embryos viable?
The frozen embryos are viable for years and can be stored for a long time without deteriorating the quality.
- How long do the embryos survive?
Embryos are evaluated for their quality before being frozen. The highest-quality embryos have the highest chance of implantation and are usually chosen for transfer. The quality of the embryo before being frozen determines its survival rate. Only high-grade embryos survive the freeze-thaw cycle.
- What is the success rate with frozen embryo transfer?
Multiple factors determine the success rate. These include the duration of the infertility, the woman’s age, the freezing duration, and the endometrial thickness. With continuous progress in freezing techniques, the success rate of frozen embryo transfer has increased.
Conclusion
Frozen Embryo Transfer can save costs for IVF cycles and help couples navigate infertility. As an advanced measure of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Frozen Embryo Transfer is changing the lives of families. Infertile couples can conceive through viable embryos and embark on their journey of parenthood.
If you’re interested in a fertility consultation, you can speak with one of our expert doctors on the number – +91 8527858585
