At our fertility clinics in Greater Vancouver, Edmonton, and Victoria, our fertility specialists provide the most personalized fertility care using the most state-of-the-art assisted reproductive technologies and techniques.
In the realm of advanced fertility care, frozen embryo transfer (FET) stands out as a powerful option for helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. This innovative procedure involves transferring previously frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization [IVF] into the uterus, offering numerous potential benefits, including more flexible timing than a fresh embryo transfer and high success rates. By allowing for additional planning and improved uterine lining preparation, FET is an exciting and effective choice for many on their fertility journey.
What is Frozen Embryo Transfer?
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is an assisted reproduction technique that involves thawing and transferring previously frozen embryos into the uterus. Unlike fresh embryo transfers, where embryos are transferred shortly after fertilization, FET allows embryos to be stored and used in future cycles. This process enables better timing for the uterine environment, increases flexibility in IVF scheduling, and can result in higher success rates due to optimized conditions.
The Frozen Embryo Transfer Process
FET is a carefully orchestrated procedure that can be broken down into three basic steps:
The first step is to begin hormonal treatment to prepare the uterine lining. This typically involves estrogen supplements to thicken the lining and progesterone to make it receptive to embryo transfer. During this time, the uterine lining is monitored for optimal thickness using blood tests and ultrasounds. The preparation phase generally takes about two to four weeks to complete.
On the day of transfer, the frozen embryo is carefully thawed in a controlled environment. Embryos are frozen through a process known as vitrification, which involves treating the embryo with cryoprotectants and flash-freezing it into a glass-like state, ultimately protecting the embryo’s cells and structure during the thawing process. Thawing takes about one to two hours, and embryos are assessed for viability before transfer.
The embryo transfer is a relatively simple and painless procedure. The patient is positioned in a similar manner to a pap smear and a speculum is inserted into the vagina. Using a thin catheter, the selected thawed embryo is inserted into the uterus. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. For the next two weeks, the patient continues hormone support and following all medical advice, while also avoiding strenuous activities. About 10-14 days after transfer, a blood test will be taken to confirm pregnancy. It is crucial that patients continue taking all medications as instructed for the duration of their care.
Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfer
FET offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for many aspiring parents undergoing assisted reproductive technology. These benefits include:
- Flexibility and Convenience: FET allows for more control over the timing of the transfer to suit personal and medical schedules.
- Higher Success Rates: Advanced freezing techniques, such as vitrification, enhance embryo survival and increase pregnancy rates.
- Body Recovery Time: Allows the body to take a break between egg retrieval and transfer, reducing stress and improving overall health.
- Enhanced Uterine Lining Preparation: Separating retrieval from transfer phases allows for better hormonal management, enhancing the uterine lining’s receptivity.
As such, FET is a safe and effective option for many aspiring parents, offering both medical advantages and the flexibility to better manage their reproductive journey.
Success Rates and Factors Influencing Outcomes
The success rates of FET are influenced by several factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos, and the condition of the uterine environment. Younger women and those with high-quality embryos typically experience higher success rates. A well-prepared uterine lining, achieved through hormonal treatments, also plays a crucial role in successful implantation. Compared to fresh embryo transfers, FET often yields comparable or even higher success rates due to advanced freezing techniques and the ability to optimize the timing of the transfer.
Who is a Candidate for Frozen Embryo Transfer?
FET can be an excellent option for many aspiring parents undergoing fertility treatment. Some of the scenarios where FET might be the preferred choice include:
- Undergoing fertility preservation before cancer treatment (also known as oncofertility)
- Using preimplantation genetic testing [PGT] to screen for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities
- History of unsuccessful attempts using fresh embryo transfer
- Having multiple frozen embryos available for subsequent IVF cycles
- Needing flexibility in timing due to health, work, or other personal circumstances
- Having poor response or complications during the initial IVF cycle
FET is a versatile and effective approach, offering a range of benefits that make it suitable for many different patient scenarios.
Choose PCRM for Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) in Greater Vancouver and Edmonton
Serving British Columbia, Alberta, and Western Canada, PCRM is committed to giving aspiring parents their best chances of successfully having a child through IVF, including frozen embryo transfer. If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a parent, connect with us today for a frozen embryo transfer.