In addition, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves thawing previously frozen embryos from an earlier IVF cycle and transferring them to the uterus. In recent years, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) has emerged as a pivotal procedure in assisted reproductive technology. Moreover, FET allows couples to preserve embryos for future use, thereby reducing the necessity for repeated egg retrievals. As a result, it has become an increasingly favoured option among couples undergoing fertility treatment. Furthermore, Frozen Embryo Transfer allows the storage of embryos over extended periods, which aligns with the couple’s preferred timing.
At Gaudium IVF & Gynae Solutions Centre, we provide top-tier FET along with other advanced fertility treatments in India. Additionally, we use state-of-the-art labs that follow strict international protocols. Furthermore, our team focuses on high hygiene and safety standards to reduce any chance of human error.
Types of Frozen Embryo Transfers
There are four types of frozen embryo transfer protocols.
- Hormone Replacement Cycles — After conducting some baseline tests, the expert prescribes estrogen supplements to increase the endometrium thickness. When the lining reaches the optimum thickness, the body releases progesterone, and doctors schedule the embryo transfer. Moreover, most specialists recommend a minimum thickness of at least 7 mm.
- Natural cycles – Some women can go through a natural cycle without taking any medications. In this method, doctors monitor ovulation through blood tests, scans and urine tests to find the exact ovulation day. The team then checks the quality and survival chances of the thawed embryos on the day of transfer. Afterwards, the doctor transfers the embryos 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 helps because it uses fewer medications than a fully medicated cycle. However, doctors still need to monitor and coordinate every natural cycle step.
- 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 — Doctors can align Frozen Embryo Transfer with favourable uterine conditions. This timing approach improves implantation chances.
- Reduced risk of hyperstimulation—In addition, Frozen Embryo Transfer can significantly reduce the risks associated
- Identifying genetic abnormalities— Experts conduct tests to identify any genetic abnormalities that facilitate the transfer of the genetically normal embryos.
- Cost-effectiveness — FET helps reduce the need for another IVF cycle because couples can use frozen embryos in later attempts to achieve pregnancy. It is financially viable and removes the need for ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
How Do Doctors Perform the Frozen Embryo Transfer Procedure?
Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure lasts for around half an hour. The process includes several key steps, and doctors often use ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The following steps highlight what the process entails:
- Endometrial development — Doctors prescribe hormonal medications that thicken and mature the endometrium.
- Continuous checking — Doctors perform routine check-ups and ultrasound assessments to monitor the progress.
- Thawing — The embryology team thaws the embryos before transfer. They warm them carefully and remove the cryoprotectant.
- Transfer of Embryos — Doctors evaluate viable embryos for quality to improve pregnancy chances. Later, they implant the embryos into the uterus.
Post transfer procedure
After the procedure of embryo transfer, we conduct a pregnancy test for approximately two weeks. The expert measures Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone your body secretes during pregnancy.
Doctors can transfer the embryos in either 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.
- The FET process can feel emotionally taxing, and many doctors recommend psychological support.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Cost In India
The costs for fertility treatments like IVF, which includes frozen embryo transfer, range between 1,00,000 and 2,50,000. It varies across fertility clinics, geography, and patient demographics.
These days, corporations are getting ahead with structured IVF insurance policies. This is a relatively new measure, and currently less than 1% of corporations offer IVF insurance. Moreover, we also provide no-cost EMI options that make high-end fertility solutions more affordable. In addition, Gaudium offers this support to help couples complete their families and welcome a child into their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Many Days After a Period Do Doctors Perform a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
According to research and expert opinion, a Frozen Embryo Transfer usually takes between 19 and 21 days. However, the exact duration depends on when the desired endometrial 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 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 day, and the endometrial thickness. With continuous progression 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. Childless couples can conceive through viable embryos and embark on the journey of parenthood.
If you’re interested in a fertility consultation, call our expert doctors at +91 8527858585.
