Frozen Embryo Transfer
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
If you have high-quality frozen embryos, you can use those embryos for subsequent transfers, even if those embryos were made at another clinic.
(FET) is a common procedure in IVF where frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle are thawed and transferred into the uterus. FET can be beneficial for several reasons, including an increase in the success rate of implantation due to the selection of only the highest-quality embryos. FET is also a great option for those who want to control the timing of their pregnancy, as frozen embryos can be stored for years before being transferred.
Frozen Embryo Transfers with Pinnacle
- Pinnacle embryologists have high prior freeze-thaw survival rates and are skilled in correctly determining the embryo grade before and after the thaw.
- Enhanced Flexibility and Convenience: FET offers the flexibility to schedule embryo transfers at a time that best suits patients' physical and personal circumstances. This approach allows for better preparation and timing, potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Increased Success Rates with Advanced Freezing Techniques: Modern freezing techniques, such as vitrification, preserve embryos with minimal risk of damage, maintaining their viability and quality. This results in high success rates for FET, comparable to fresh embryo transfers.
- Optimized Patient Health and Safety: With FET, the transfer is delayed, ensuring a safer and more favorable uterine environment for implantation and improving the overall success and safety of the treatment.
Who Is FET Right For?
Many benefit from frozen embryo transfers (FET), including:
- IVF Patients with Excess Embryos: After an IVF cycle, if there are high-quality embryos remaining after the fresh transfer, these can be frozen for future use. FET is ideal for individuals or couples who wish to attempt another pregnancy without undergoing a full IVF cycle again.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) Candidates: Couples who opt for genetic testing of their embryos may use FET. Embryos are frozen while awaiting genetic test results, and then a healthy embryo is selected for transfer.
- Failed Fresh IVF Cycle: For those who have undergone a fresh embryo transfer with IVF but did not achieve pregnancy, FET offers another opportunity to use their frozen embryos.
- Fertility Preservation: Individuals or couples who need to delay pregnancy due to cancer treatment, surgery, or other personal reasons may freeze embryos for future use.
- Same-Sex Couples or Single Individuals: FET is also an option for same-sex couples or single individuals who wish to have children, using donor sperm or eggs.
- Secondary Infertility: Couples who had a successful pregnancy in the past but are facing difficulties conceiving again can use FET if they have previously frozen embryos.
The Frozen Embryo Transfer Journey
Thawing & Grading Frozen Embryos
The frozen embryos from your previous IVF cycles are thawed in the Pinnacle Fertility laboratory. Once the embryo has thawed, highly skilled embryologists will examine it under a microscope and grade it to select the best embryos and maximize your chances of success.
Embryo Transfer
After thawing and grading, the next step in the frozen embryo transfer process is the transfer procedure. Our embryologist will pick the highest-graded embryos using ultrasound imaging for guidance and gently place the selected embryos into the patient's uterus. This quick outpatient procedure requires no sedation and feels similar to a pap smear.
Pregnancy Testing
Roughly two weeks later, you'll return to the clinic for an HCG pregnancy test. In the case of a positive result, your navigator and provider will closely monitor your pregnancy's progression through regular lab work and ultrasounds until you're ready to transition to an OB/GYN for ongoing pregnancy care. If the pregnancy test is negative, we will arrange a follow-up appointment to explore and discuss your next steps.
Medication Boost
Following the embryo transfer process, you may be prescribed medication to support the implantation and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
frozen Embryo Transfer FAQs
Yes, you can often select which frozen embryo to transfer during a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle. Your provider will discuss with you the details of your available embryos, including their quality and developmental stage and your preferences. However, the final decision may also consider the recommendations of your provider and embryologist to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The success rate for FET can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the age and quality of the frozen embryos and the individual patient's unique fertility factors. In general, studies have shown that the success rate for FET is comparable to fresh embryo transfer. It is important to discuss your specific situation with your provider to understand your potential likelihood of success with an FET cycle.
It is possible to do multiple FET cycles, as long as there are frozen embryos available. However, it is important to discuss with your provider the potential risks and benefits of multiple FET cycles before making a decision.
An FET cycle can be done at any time, as long as your frozen embryos are available and viable for thawing and transfer. However, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider if an FET is the best option for you, as there may be other factors to consider in deciding whether or not to pursue an FET cycle.
Another factor to consider is the age of your frozen embryos. Embryos can typically be frozen for several years before their viability begins to decrease, but it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and fertility clinic.
Real Stories, Real Success: Our Patients Speak
We can't thank you all enough for making our IVF journey such a positive experience. Your team's expertise and warmth meant the world to us. You made our dreams come true, and we're forever thankful.
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THEY ARE AMAZING!!! I absolutely love this clinic and everyone who works here! Being a lesbian couple, we were nervous trying to find a fertility clinic for us.. they made us feel so comfortable right away! They are so caring and sweet! I definitely recommend this place!! && Dr. Z is the man!! Nicest doctor I have ever met! I would give them a 100 stars if I could!
Thanks to Dr. Dudley, we achieved a successful pregnancy, a dream that once seemed unattainable. His expertise and empathy made him not just a doctor but a beacon of hope in our most challenging times. We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Dudley and highly recommend him to any couple facing fertility issues!
We've worked with RGI twice now, and have had an excellent experience both times. Dr. Maseelall and her team have been amazing to work with. This time around, we were introduced to the "navigators" who essentially act as a liaison between us and the doctors, which was a change from the last time we were there. We found having access to a dedicated resource - even by text message - was a huge plus.
I highly recommend Dr. Dudley! He is one of the only doctors who explained things clearly, realistically, and positively. His bedside manner is outstanding. A defining moment (without disclosing my medical history) was when I explained something to him and he responded with "I believe in a women's intuition." He believed me, ran a quick test, and pivoted the plan. I can't recommend him enough.
My husband I went to Dominion after struggling with some fertility issues and multiple miscarriages. We couldn't have made a better choice! You can tell that the staff really care about their patients and make you feel at ease. At the beginning of the process, we were feeling a bit overwhelmed, but the doctors were understanding and great at explaining each step to us along the way. We now have a healthy baby boy and we could not be more happy and grateful to Dominion Fertility!!
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We partner with various financing providers to offer fertility financing options. Learn more here
The credit requirements for financing fertility treatment can vary depending on the lending institution and the specific financing program. Some lenders offer fertility treatment financing with relatively lenient credit requirements, while others may require a higher credit score and a strong credit history. It's advisable to research different financing options, compare their credit requirements, and choose one that aligns with your financial situation and credit profile.
Yes, you can often select which frozen embryo to transfer during a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle. Your provider will discuss with you the details of your available embryos, including their quality and developmental stage and your preferences. However, the final decision may also consider the recommendations of your provider and embryologist to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The success rate for FET can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the age and quality of the frozen embryos and the individual patient's unique fertility factors. In general, studies have shown that the success rate for FET is comparable to fresh embryo transfer. It is important to discuss your specific situation with your provider to understand your potential likelihood of success with an FET cycle.
It is possible to do multiple FET cycles, as long as there are frozen embryos available. However, it is important to discuss with your provider the potential risks and benefits of multiple FET cycles before making a decision.
An FET cycle can be done at any time, as long as your frozen embryos are available and viable for thawing and transfer. However, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider if an FET is the best option for you, as there may be other factors to consider in deciding whether or not to pursue an FET cycle.
Another factor to consider is the age of your frozen embryos. Embryos can typically be frozen for several years before their viability begins to decrease, but it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and fertility clinic.