Frozen Embryo Transfer

IVF - In Vitro Fertilization is a last resort for many couples. Most couples starting IVF have already been through long months of trying to conceive naturally, failed IUI - Intrauterine Insemination - cycles, multiple tests, a lot of frustration and disappointment.

When excess embryos created in the process of IVF are not transferred to the uterus, they can be frozen for future cycles. As eSET (elective single embryo transfer) becomes more prevalent, as is seen in a current worldwide trend to try to prevent birth of multiples as a result of IVF, frozen embryo transfer cycles will increase in popularity. The pregnancy rate following the fresh transfer of a single embryo followed by, if necessary, the transfer of a single thawed embryo is remarkably similar to that of transferring two fresh embryos, while eliminating the risk of twins almost completely.

In a Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle, the uterine lining may be prepared using hormones or the transfer may be performed using a natural cycle.

The embryo(s) is/are thawed and transferred to the uterus in the same process as in a fresh IVF cycle.

It is said that frozen embryos are less successful than fresh embryos, however some women who have been successful with frozen embryos feel that some factors actually make it more likely to succeed:

• The preparation stage, which is emotionally draining, is much simpler

• It is easier to control the thickness of the uterine lining
  
• There is no egg retrieval process -- another high-stress point

Related Stories:
Rachel's story - IVF, FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
Helen's story - IVF, ICSI, FET
Jackie's story - IVF, FET
Michelle's story - IVF, FET, Surrogacy
Lia's story - IVF, Frozen Embryo Transfer to surrogate
Fiona's story - IVF, FET, IVIG
Dawn's story - IVF, FET
Amanda's story - IVF, FET

Related Pages:
IVF - Information about in vitro fertilization
ICSI - Information about intracytoplasmic sperm injection

More information about IVF - BabyCenter - Fertility treatment: In vitro fertilization

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Disclaimer: Information on this page is provided as a service to Fertility Stories visitors and is not to be viewed as medical advice.