FET-IVF: Frozen Embryo Transfer Tips, Timelines and Beyond
For couples who have experienced failed IVF cycles, preparing for your frozen embryo transfer and Success Ratescan bring uncertainty, worry and fear.
Bringing new life and building a family is a dream many couples aspire to have, however, fertility is not often a straightforward path.
Thankfully, for individuals who have already undergone one (or more) IVF cycle and have frozen embryos leftover, past attempts at embryo transfers or IVF can provide many embryos for future attempts.
In vitro fertilization Frozen Embryo Transfers (IVF-FET) are 10% more likely to result in a live birth than a fresh one, making frozen transfers a popular option for fertility specialists, doctors, and couples who were unsuccessful in their previous attempts of conception.
Frozen_embryo transfers require preparation of the uterus, so preparing correctly is essential to increase your chances of a successful live birth post-IVF FET.
In this guide, we’ll cover: Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates
- FET definitions and success rates
- Typical IVF-FET timelines and success rates
- 13 tips to improve FET-IVF outcomes
- What to eat and avoid during and after your embryo transfer
- How to plan for the big day!
What is a (FET)?
Simply put, a frozen embryo transfer (FET) is possible because previous IVF processes often produce additional embryo(s) couples can freeze for future attempts if the initial IVF cycle is unsuccessful.
On the day of your embryo transfer procedure, the embryos will be thawed and transferred to the woman’s uterus through a catheter. Because you have embryos frozen from a previous IVF cycle, this process is typically less intense and stressful than initial IVF attempts.
Once cleared by your fertility specialist or doctor to start a cycle following menstruation, you will take different injections and oral medications every three days for two to three weeks to thicken your uterus’s lining. Your fertility specialist and doctor may suggest other medications depending on your unique scenario.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates
For patients 35 or younger, there is a 60% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, whereas women over the age of 40 have a 20% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer.
When you decide it’s time to undergo a frozen embryo-transfer, it’s important to prepare your uterus for implantation through the proper drugs and behaviors.
Two Types of FET-IVF Cycles: Hormonal and Natural Support
There are two kinds of
: Hormonal support cycles and natural cycles.
Hormonally supported FET cycles are more popular with couples because estrogen and progesterone are administered to mimic the body’s cycle and thicken your endometrium. Clinics and labs typically prefer this FET cycle because the day of the frozen-embryo-transfer is easy to control and hormonal support is available for ovulatory problems.
In Natural FET-IVF cycles, the timing of your frozen-embryo transfer is determined when you ovulate naturally. However, an hCG shot is typically given to ensure ovulation occurs and progesterone will be used for luteal phase support after ovulation and transfer.
IVF Frozen Embryo Transfer Timelines
how many days after period is FET Because a woman’s body produces progesterone when ovulating, the endometrial lining develops at the optimal rate to nurture the fertilized eggs. As with most things Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), timing is everything.
Here’s an example of PFCLA’s frozen-embryo-transfer treatment calendar, which intended mothers or surrogates will undergo as they prepare for the FET