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A frozen embryo transfer (FET), is a treatment which involves a cryopreserved embryo from a previous cycle being thawed and placed into the uterus is widely used in IVF treatment. FETs avoid the need for another full IVF cycle, reducing treatment time, costs, and physical demands. With advances in vitrification, uterine preparation, and embryo selection, At City Fertility, our FET success rates are equal to or higher than fresh embryo transfers. Your fertility specialist will work closely with you for FET success.
A frozen embryo is an embryo created during an IVF cycle that is carefully frozen and stored for future use. In a frozen embryo transfer (FET), a frozen embryo will be thawed and transferred into the patient’s uterus.
The benefit of an FET is that the patient doesn’t have to repeat a full IVF cycle with ovarian stimulation and egg collection. Frozen embryos give you flexibility and options to grow your family, while reducing treatment time and costs. They give patients peace of mind knowing they have embryos to use for future treatment.
FET is a simple and painless procedure with most people saying it is similar discomfort to that of having a pap smear.
Step 1. Prepare for a FET cycle – Your fertility specialist will arrange a personalised cycle plan for your FET. Depending on your cycle type, you may need to take medications to prepare the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to maximise the chance of pregnancy.
Step 2. Embryo Thaw – On the day of your transfer, your embryo is removed from liquid nitrogen storage and carefully thawed. This process takes around 10 minutes and involves rehydrating the embryo and allowing it some time to recover before transfer. Before your transfer our embryologist will share a special moment with you, showing you a photo of your embryo.
Step 3. Embryo Transfer – Your embryo is transferred into the uterus using a fine plastic tube (transfer catheter). Typically, only one embryo is transferred. If more than one embryo is to be transferred, this must be discussed with your fertility specialist prior to the transfer taking place. An embryo transfer is a relatively quick procedure and discomfort should be minimal.
Step 4 Pregnancy Test – Two weeks after your FET, your pregnancy test will be due. Many people find this to be the most difficult time to endure. You will be encouraged to limit your activity for 24 hours after the embryo transfer, eat well, stay hydrated and keep busy while you wait for your pregnancy blood test.
A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment for individuals or couples who already have embryos stored from a previous IVF cycle. This allows them to continue fertility treatment without the need to repeat ovarian stimulation and egg collection, helping to save time and reduce costs. FETs can be a useful option to consider when planning for future pregnancies or when a fresh transfer needs to be delayed for medical or personal reasons.
To thaw an embryo for a frozen embryo cycle, the scientist must reverse the vitrification process. This involves gently warming the embryo to rehydrate and re-expand the cells after being stored in liquid nitrogen. The process takes about 10 minutes, followed by a short recovery time. Once the embryo is confirmed to have thawed and recovered well, it is ready for transfer into the uterus.
An IVF cycle usually creates multiple good-quality embryos. Most individuals will have an embryo transfer as part of the cycle with the remaining embryos frozen for future use.
In comparison to a fresh embryo transfer an FET is:
FET success rates are equal to or higher than fresh embryo transfers due to advances in vitrification, improved uterine preparation for implantation and embryo selection.
When considering FET success rates, it’s important to understand what they are influenced by.
FET is a much gentler fertility treatment and does not pose the same risks that a full IVF cycle does. When it comes to FET many patients have questions about the thawing process and the risks to their embryos. Thanks to modern vitrification techniques the blastocyst thawing survival rates are over 90%. Unfortunately, there are occasions when an embryo does not survive the thawing process.
Frozen embryo transfers are more affordable than a full IVF cycle. At City fertility our FET cost is approximately one third of the cost of IVF. The treatment is less invasive, much simpler and quicker. For a broad overview of our costs and Medicare rebates, visit our costs section.
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Embryos are stored using a process called vitrification, a rapid freezing technique that prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the cells. Once frozen, they are placed in special devices and safely kept in tanks filled with liquid nitrogen. At this temperature, embryos remain suspended in time and can be stored safely for years.
Many patients find a Frozen Embryo Transfer less stressful and more flexible than a fresh transfer. Unlike fresh cycles, FET avoids ovarian stimulation and egg collection making it gentler on the body. It also allows your fertility specialist to carefully time the transfer for the optimal stage in your cycle.
Two weeks after the FET, you will be due for a pregnancy test. Testing too early may give a false result because the hormone that indicates pregnancy, called hCG needs time to build up to detectable levels.
Yes! Embryos can safely remain frozen and in storage for many years. In fact, frozen embryos that have been stored for decades have been successfully transferred.
Whilst blastocyst vitrifcation thawing survival rates are over 90% there are occasions when an embryo does not survive the process. In this case and with consent, we may thaw another, if you have additional embryos in storage.
