Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Monitored placement of your
thawed embryos into the uterus
to achieve pregnancy

Introduction - Frozen Embryo Transfer

If you have undertaken a previous IVF cycle of medication, egg collection and fertilization of embryos for transfer, you will have been advised of the availability of any additional good quality embryos that you may have requested be frozen in preparation for any subsequent treatment. Your embryos will be cryopreserved (frozen) and stored on site at our clinic.

Our laboratory uses the highly successful technique of Vitrification to freeze the embryos and hence the survival rates of embryos are in excess of 95%. The pregnancy rates from Vitrified (frozen) embryos is as good as fresh transfers if they survive the thawing.

Why Choose Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

If a previous IVF cycle was not successful, you suffered from OHSS within a cycle or you now wish to add a sibling to your family, IVF London can prepare you for a frozen embryo transfer using your stored embryos.

IVF treatment using FET is also recommended where your fertility may be at risk owing to your reproductive organs likely being damaged during cancer treatments by allowing you to preserve your fertility prior to commencement of any such treatment.

How Does Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Process Work?

You won’t need to undergo further ovarian stimulation or a full IVF cycle again as we will already have your embryos on site from your previous cycle. These embryos will be thawed and assessed to check their suitability before they can be placed back into your uterus as with your previous IVF embryo transfer.

Natural Cycle Replacement (NC FET)

NC FET is conducted when a woman has regular ovulation and menstrual cycles. Your cycle will be monitored to determine the precise timing of ovulation or alternatively, you may need to have an HCG injection to stimulate a more exact ovulation period. At this time we will schedule your embryo transfer by defrosting and preparing your embryos to coincide with the approximate time they would usually be arriving in your uterus. This ensures that your endometrium (the lining of the womb) is at its most receptive for a successful implantation.

Medicated Protocol for Endometrial Preparation

A medicated FET cycle is used when we need to more closely control the preparation of your endometrial lining so that it will be at its most receptive for embryo transfer. In this type of FET, you will undertake a cycle of estrogen pills to help thicken the lining of the womb. Just prior to transfer, you will also be required to take progesterone to help modify the lining so that it is receptive when the embryos are transferred.

What Happens Next: Embryo Freezing as Part of Your Fertility Journey

Once the embryos have been transferred into your uterus, you will be need to continue taking any drugs prescribed in your treatment and wait 16 days before taking a pregnancy test to see if your treatment has been successful. You can continue your day to day activities but we recommend you refrain from any strenuous physical exercise and rest if you feel you need to. The clinic will confirm your pregnancy with ultrasound scans and blood tests before discharging you back to your own GP for antenatal care.

Risks and Considerations of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

This risks of FET are similar to those outcomes of a traditional IVF cycle, including multiple births, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriage. Your consultant will discuss any risks that may be relevant to your individual history and circumstances and can answer any questions you may have. If at any time you are concerned, please do contact the clinic for advice. There is a very small risk that none of the frozen embryos may survive the freezing and thawing procedure in which case the cycle would need to be abandoned.

Treatments

Find out more about our related services

Why Choose Us?

Here are some facts about your fertility journey with us that we’d like to share with you:

Every evaluation and treatment plan is uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs

You will have access to leading professionals, with over 35 years combined expertise, providing you with confidence and reassurance in your fertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in fertility, urology, nutrition, counselling, genetics, endocrinology, haematology and weight management to provide a comprehensive range of support as and when you need it

We will work with you closely to understand your individual circumstances, identify any problems and agree with you, the best course of action to help make your dream a reality

We will always be honest and open about your chances of success with treatment.

Your comfort and care is always our top priority

Our focus remains entirely on you as an individual, your unique needs and your wellbeing

All investigations and treatments are provided within our new state-of-the-art clinic based in Elstree which offers a spacious environment with comfortable surroundings, to enhance your care and experience. We offer investigations and scans at our satellite locations too.

Our friendly consultant-led team is here to support you at every step throughout your fertility journey

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