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What Is A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a process in assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which a cryopreserved embryo from a previous IVF cycle is thawed and placed into the uterus of a surrogate or intended parent. This procedure may be a successful alternative to a fresh embryo transfer while providing patients with schedule flexibility.Why Choose A Frozen Embryo Transfer?
Choosing a frozen embryo transfer has various benefits over other embryo transfers:- Flexible timing: Unlike fresh transfers, which must be carried out immediately following egg extraction, FET permits the transfer to be scheduled when it is most convenient and best for the patient.
- Success rates: Studies have indicated that FET may have success rates equivalent to or even greater than fresh embryo transfers, owing in part to the ability to properly prepare the uterus.
- Reduced ovarian stimulation: Patients need not have to go through ovarian stimulation again, which alleviates the physical and emotional load of repeated hormone therapies.
- Genetic testing: Embryos may be screened for genetic abnormalities before freezing, enabling the genetically healthy embryos to be transferred.
Natural FET-IVF Cycles: Hormonal Support
A Natural Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle is an IVF approach that aims to mimic a woman’s natural menstrual cycle without using extensive ovarian stimulation. This method is often chosen by women who have regular ovulation and want a more natural approach to embryo transfer.Unlike medicated FET cycles, which rely heavily on synthetic hormones, natural FET cycles depend primarily on the body's natural hormonal fluctuations. However, minimal hormonal support is sometimes required to optimise endometrial receptivity and increase the chances of a successful implantation.
IVF Frozen Embryo Transfer Timelines
The female body releases progesterone when she ovulates, the endometrial lining grows at the ideal pace to nourish the fertilised eggs. However, time is important for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).Endometrium preparation takes 2-4 weeks for most patients, depending on their unique treatment plan. Once the patient's cycle has reached an appropriate point, the frozen embryo transfer takes place. Specific dates vary per patient; your fertility doctor should offer you a full treatment schedule outlining what to anticipate.
The FET Procedure
A FET cycle will take between 6 and 8 weeks. A cycle normally starts with 3 to 4 weeks of daily birth control medications to inhibit the regular ovarian cycle, which would result in ovulation. After the course of birth control, you will need a baseline exam that includes bloodwork and ultrasound. Depending on the findings of the tests, your doctor may advise you to begin a series of oestrogen injections to help grow the uterine lining. After a certain amount of time on the oestrogen injections, you will return for bloodwork and a transvaginal ultrasound lining examination.If the lining shows the normal hormonal level and thickened endometrial lining, your doctor will recommend daily progesterone injections or vaginal suppositories to your prescription plan. Your nurse will then confirm a FET date, and you will arrive for the transfer several days later. Oestrogen and progesterone levels remain elevated following the transfer and during the blood pregnancy test, which is administered around two weeks later.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate
Frozen embryo transfers have become a popular option in assisted reproductive technologies and are effective. FET success rates have significantly grown over time, making it a feasible choice for many people who want to conceive. Patients aged 35 and under have a 60% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, whereas women over the age of 40 have a 20% pregnancy rate.Several variables may affect the success rates of FET, including:
- Factors to consider include age, embryo quality, and endometrial preparation
- Cryopreservation Techniques
- Modern vitrification (flash freezing) techniques have dramatically increased embryo survival rates upon thawing as compared to traditional slow-freezing procedures.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Tips
The process of getting a frozen embryo transfer cycle may involve some uncertainty and worry. However, by diving deeply into what lies ahead and strategising for the best results, you may begin your trip with confidence and optimism.When preparing for your IVF frozen embryo transfer, employ these methods and ideas to boost your chances of success:
Prepare and take medications on time
You will be given progesterone and other fertility drugs to help prepare your uterus and other hormonal processes for the Frozen Embryo Transfer. Make sure you have an appropriate supply of drugs and know how to take them. Consider your treatment calendar
When arranging a Frozen Embryo Transfer, it is critical to examine your treatment schedule to ensure that the procedure runs well with your everyday routine. You may better manage your lifestyle, including job responsibilities, social activities, and personal appointments if you schedule your hormone treatments, monitoring sessions, and embryo transfer in advance.Get enough sleep before (and after) the transfer
Ironically, being on bed rest might make it more difficult to sleep well. Sleep and fertility are inextricably linked, therefore getting adequate sleep is crucial to supporting your IVF cycle. According to research, women who receive fewer than seven hours of sleep are 15% less likely to get pregnant than those who get seven to eight hours of sleep. If you are having difficulty falling asleep, you may use melatonin to naturally adjust your sleep routine. Prepare and eat IVF-FET-safe meals
Many fertility physicians recommend eating a high-fat, low-carb diet to minimise inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system. This diet also improves hormone function since many female hormones are created from cholesterol, which comes from fats. It's also vital to eat an antioxidant-rich diet before embryo implantation, so fresh food and fruit will be essential. Foods to Eat Before Embryo Transfer
In general, reproductive endocrinologists advocate warm meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As you prepare for your frozen embryo transfer, consume meals like - Warm soups.
- Whole grains, including quinoa, farro, and whole-grain pasta
- legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans
- Healthy fats such as avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, and seeds
- Low-mercury fish and poultry are good sources of lean protein
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (berries, pineapple)
- Water with lemon
Foods to Avoid Before Your Frozen Embryo Transfer
Cold meals are not suitable for embryo transfer, thus try to avoid: - Cold drinks, such as smoothies and sodas
- Sugar
- Red meat items
- Highly processed foods
- Season with herbs and spices rather than salt
- Coffee and Tea
Avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC)
During the Frozen Embryo Transfer procedure, it is critical to avoid goods containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs disrupt your hormones, reproductive health, and prenatal development, and are usually detrimental to your overall health. Products to be removed include:
- Avoid nail polish and plastics, and use BPA-free water bottles.
- Non-Stick cooking utensils
- Cosmetics with scent.
- Fragranced soaps and moisturisers
- Meat and dairy.
- stain-resistant materials
Pack Your Bag The Night Before
The night before your frozen embryo transfer, establish a plan for the following day and pack your luggage with whatever you could need -- but don't overdo it!When packing a suitcase for your embryo transfer operation, be sure you include:
- Water, warm socks.
- Comfortable clothing
- Bring a camera, books, or a diary
- Earbuds or headphones
Make sure you have a laptop tray or a heat-blocking material nearby to insulate your body from the heat created by your laptop. To ensure the success of the Frozen Embryo Transfer operation, keep severe heat away from your abdomen and uterus.
FAQs on What is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
- What are the advantages of a FET cycle versus a newly stimulated cycle?
FET is typically a better option than a fresh stimulation cycle if you have frozen embryos to utilise. Benefits include:- Lower cost
- Less complicated therapy
- Fewer monitoring appointments
- The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is nonexistent
- No anaesthesia or egg retrieval
- Significantly lowered medication costs
- Almost comparable success rates
- What fertility medications will I take while undergoing a FET cycle?
To prepare your uterine lining for the FET, you'll require supplementary oestrogen and progesterone. You will also continue taking these drugs following the FET. Oestrogen is often administered as injections every third day. Following the lining ultrasound, you may need progesterone injections or vaginal suppositories daily.
