Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) offers patients the opportunity to transfer previously frozen embryos to the uterus during a carefully timed cycle. This minimally invasive procedure is a key part of modern fertility treatments today.

At Perch Fertility, we specialize in guiding individuals and couples through this process with personalized care, advanced technology, and a patient-centered approach.

If you have frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle or have opted for fertility preservation, FET may be the next step on your journey toward parenthood.

Understanding Frozen Embryo Transfer

Frozen Embryo Transfer involves transferring a thawed embryo—one that was previously frozen after an IVF cycle—into the uterus. Unlike fresh embryo transfers, FET allows for more flexibility in timing, can lead to higher pregnancy rates, and often results in reduced stress for patients since it doesn’t involve ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval.

The process is minimally invasive and is typically done during a cycle when the uterus is hormonally prepared for implantation.

At Perch Fertility, we offer FET as part of our fertility treatments, providing both expertise and compassionate support to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy.

The FET Process

FET involves several key steps, including uterine preparation, embryo thawing, embryo transfer, and pregnancy test.

Embryo Freezing

Embryos are frozen using a process called vitrification, which involves rapid freezing using a special solution. Frozen embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, preserving their viability for many years.

Uterine Preparation

Before the embryo can be transferred, the uterus must be hormonally primed to create the optimal environment for implantation. Hormone therapy is administered and typically involves estrogen to help thicken the uterine lining and then progesterone to prepare it for the embryo.

This process is referred to as a hormonally supported (medicated) FET cycle. In this case, the day when the frozen embryo will be transferred can be determined more easily since any ovulatory problems can be overcome through hormonal support.

Our team will closely monitor your hormone levels and uterine thickness through blood tests and ultrasounds, ensuring that the timing is just right for the transfer.

In some cases, a modified natural FET protocol can be utilized. The timing of embryo transfer is based on your natural ovulation cycle or can be triggered with a special medication to ensure proper timing.

Thawing the Embryos

Once your uterus is ready, the next step is thawing the embryos. At Perch Fertility, we use cutting-edge techniques to reverse the freeze process, which significantly improves their survival rates.

While it is considered normal that some embryos may not survive the thawing process, our embryologists work meticulously to ensure the highest chance of success for each one.

Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer itself is quick and painless. We will use a thin catheter to place the embryo directly into the uterus. This is a non-surgical procedure and typically doesn’t require anesthesia.

After the transfer, you'll rest for a short period before being able to return home. Our team will provide you with detailed post-transfer care instructions to support your journey.

Pregnancy Test

Following the transfer, you will continue to take progesterone to support the uterine lining. We will schedule a pregnancy test approximately 10-14 days after the transfer to confirm whether the embryo has implanted successfully.

The pregnancy test measures the presence of the hormone hCG, which is produced by a developing embryo.

During this waiting period, our team offers support and guidance to help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of this critical phase.

Benefits of FET

At Perch Fertility, we have used FET as a highly effective option for many patients. The success rates of FET vary depending on factors such as the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos, and the underlying cause of infertility.

However, FET has a high success rate because of the controlled environment in which the uterus is prepared. Additionally, many patients find FET to be less stressful because it doesn’t require ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval, making the process more streamlined and predictable.

Benefits of FET include:

Lower Physical Stress: Since there’s no need for ovarian stimulation, the body undergoes less strain during the FET process.
Flexibility: The ability to freeze embryos allows patients more flexibility in timing, providing opportunities to focus on other life events before attempting pregnancy.
Multiple Attempts: Frozen embryos can be used for multiple transfer cycles, giving you more chances for success.
Genetic Testing Compatibility: FET allows for time to conduct Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) before freezing. This means we can identify chromosomal abnormalities before embryo freezing, improving your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Ideal Candidate for FET

FET may be recommended for patients who may be in the following situations.

If you had a previous IVF cycle with more embryos than were used, those frozen embryos can be transferred in a future cycle.
For patients who have already conceived through IVF and are looking to expand their family, FET provides a way to use frozen embryos from a previous cycle.
If you freeze your embryos for fertility preservation, FET allows you to use them when you're ready to begin your family.

Risks & Considerations of FET

While Frozen Embryo Transfer is generally considered a low-risk procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential complications, including:

Multiple Pregnancies: If more than one embryo is transferred, there is a higher likelihood of twins or multiples, which can carry additional risks for both mother and babies. There is also a chance that an embryo splits into 2 identical twin embryos.
Embryo Viability: Although most embryos survive the thawing process, there is a small risk that some may not.
Emotional Impact: Like any fertility treatment, waiting for the results after FET can be emotionally challenging. We encourage patients to lean on their support network and communicate openly with our team during this time.

Trusted Fertility Treatments in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

At Perch Fertility, our fertility specialists and embryologists work together to craft an individualized plan for your FET cycle. We use state-of-the-art technologies and best practices to give you the highest chance of success.

Whether you're using frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle or pursuing fertility preservation, our expert team will provide the personalized care and guidance you need.

Contact Perch Fertility today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can use FET.

To schedule a consultation with our fertility specialist, please call us at 201-775-0003 or request an appointment online. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with the information and support you need.