Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is an ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) fertility treatment in which frozen embryos are thawed and transferred to the womb of the intended mother.
FET is an IVF cycle that uses cryopreserved and frozen embryos obtained either from the previous full IVF cycle of the woman or from a donor egg cycle. In the case of a donor embryo, the embryo is not genetically related to the woman.
As the embryos are generally frozen in their blastocyst stage i.e. roughly 3 to 5 days from when the egg was fertilized in an IVF cycle, the frozen embryo transfer procedure is also known as frozen blastocyst transfer.
When to opt for FET?
A woman may choose to undergo a FET cycle following the failure of a fresh IVF cycle. This is because, in most cases, the fertility experts collect a large number of eggs during the first IVF cycle of a woman. Of all the fertilized eggs that grow into embryos, only one is transferred to the uterus of the woman, and all other extra embryos are frozen for use in future cycles.
In case of an IVF embryo transfer failure, when a consecutive IVF transfer is required to achieve pregnancy, instead of the woman going through a complete IVF cycle again, embryos from the previous IVF cycle that were frozen, can be prepared to be transferred to the womb.
As age deteriorates, the quality of eggs of a woman also deteriorates. The frozen embryos can be used up to10 years from the initial freeze, and so, some younger women who do not plan pregnancy anytime soon, opt to get their embryos frozen so as to be able to conceive at an older age by using the frozen embryo transfer technique.
What is the difference between FET and IVF?
The primary difference between these two types of IVF embryo transfer cycles is that while undergoing frozen blastocyst transfer, there is no need for fresh eggs. While using the frozen embryos, the woman will neither be required to consume ovulation stimulation medicines nor undergo the egg retrieval process under the influence of anaesthesia.
The woman has only prescribed estrogen and progesterone medications as that help thicken the lining of her uterus, and prepare it to receive the embryo for implantation to take place.
Also, there is no requirement of the male partner to deliver his sperms as the eggs from the female partner were fertilized and preserved in the previous IVF cycle. Thus, there is no prerequisite of the genetic material (eggs or sperms) in a frozen IVF embryo transfer cycle.
Instead of the fresh embryo, a frozen embryo is carefully thawed and transferred to the womb of the intended mother. The rest of the IVF cycle remains exactly the same. Pregnancy occurs only when the embryo implants itself to the lining of the uterus.
Thus, the FET cycles are less stressful than fresh cycles as stimulation response, egg development, and embryo growth were all already taken care of in the previous IVF cycle.
What is the success rate of FET as compared to IVF?
In recent years, based on numerous advancements in medical science and technology, the success rate of FET cycles has increased considerably; and that has made it a preferable treatment option for couples before they plan to opt for another full IVF cycle.
Today, the frozen embryo transfer cycles enjoy a success rate comparable to that of a conventional IVF cycle. As many as 95% of all frozen blastocysts are suitable for transfer and are highly probable of resulting in pregnancy.
For a few women, FET has been more beneficial as it allows them the time and opportunity to optimize the uterus lining to receive the embryo. Also, as both fresh and frozen embryo transfers have the same success parameter i.e. maternal age at the time of embryo freezing, many women wait for several years until they are prepared for childbirth, before the initial freeze and the subsequent FET cycle.
From recent statistics, it is known that women who are 35 years or younger have a 60% chance of pregnancy per frozen embryo transfer. Thus, the FET cycle is an ideal choice for a couple after a failed IVF cycle, and for women who are aging but do not want to conceive immediately.
Autus Care is an online aggregator of the most genuine and reputed fertility clinics in and around Delhi. We have curated a verified list of fertility hospitals that have a proven track record of success and a large array of satisfied patients.
If you are planning to freeze your embryos to be able to conceive in a few years down the line or are tired of the unsuccessful IVF cycles, and are looking for a trustworthy fertility specialist to help you get pregnant, Autus Care is at your service!
Search our website for the best fertility experts, and avail the exclusive opportunity to grab a free consultation! Call us at +91 9319749103 today!
