Frozen Embryo Transfer
Frozen Embryo Transfer
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
During an IVF cycle, you may opt to have your embryos frozen/cryopreserved. Frozen embryo transfer is the process of thawing and implanting these embryos into the uterus - enabling pregnancy.
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
During an IVF cycle, you may opt to have your embryos frozen/cryopreserved. Frozen embryo transfer is the process of thawing and implanting these embryos into the uterus - enabling pregnancy.
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
During an IVF cycle, you may opt to have your embryos frozen/cryopreserved. Frozen embryo transfer is the process of thawing and implanting these embryos into the uterus - enabling pregnancy.
Why Might I Have an FET?
Doing a frozen embryo transfer may be right for you, if:
Doing a frozen embryo transfer may be right for you, if:
you’ve completed a “freeze-all” cycle
you wish to give a sibling to a child you had previously using IVF, without needing to restart another cycle
Your Guide to Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a wonderful and straightforward way to continue your fertility journey. If you have embryos in storage from a previous IVF cycle, this procedure allows you to have another chance at pregnancy in a cycle that is much gentler and simpler than a full IVF round.
At Bridge Clinic, we use advanced vitrification (flash-freezing) technology, which ensures your precious embryos have the very best chance of success when they are thawed. ❄️
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
A FET is a procedure where a high-quality embryo that was frozen during a previous IVF or ICSI cycle is thawed by our expert embryology team and transferred back into your uterus.
The key difference from a "fresh" cycle is that you do not need to undergo ovarian stimulation or an egg retrieval procedure. Instead, the focus is entirely on preparing your uterine lining to be perfectly receptive for the embryo to implant and grow.
Who is a FET Cycle For?
You might be preparing for a FET cycle if you:
Have surplus embryos frozen from a previous cycle and wish to grow your family.
Had a "freeze-all" cycle, where all your embryos were frozen for medical reasons (e.g., to prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome).
Are using Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), as embryos are frozen while awaiting the results.
Are using donor embryos to build your family.
The FET Process: A Simpler Journey
Your FET cycle is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. The main goal is preparing your womb for the embryo.
Step 1: Preparing the Uterine Lining (Endometrium)
To ensure the best environment for implantation, your uterine lining needs to thicken. This is typically achieved in one of two ways:
Medicated Cycle: This is the most common approach. You will take oestrogen medication (usually as tablets) for about two weeks to help thicken your uterine lining. Once the lining is ready, you'll start taking progesterone to make it receptive. This method gives us precise control over the timing of your transfer.
Natural Cycle: If you have regular menstrual cycles, we can monitor your body's natural cycle. We use ultrasound scans to track the development of your uterine lining as you approach ovulation. The embryo transfer is then timed to your body's natural "fertile window".
Your consultant will discuss which protocol is most suitable for you.
Step 2: The Thawing Process
On the morning of your scheduled transfer, our embryologists will carefully thaw your embryo in the lab. Thanks to the vitrification technology we use, the survival rate for embryos is extremely high (over 95%). Our team will call you to confirm that your embryo has thawed successfully and is ready for transfer.
Step 3: The Embryo Transfer Procedure
This part of the process is exactly the same as a fresh transfer. It's a quick, simple, and usually painless procedure that does not require any sedation.
Using a very fine, soft catheter, your consultant will gently place the thawed embryo into your uterus.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure perfect placement.
Your Guide to Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a wonderful and straightforward way to continue your fertility journey. If you have embryos in storage from a previous IVF cycle, this procedure allows you to have another chance at pregnancy in a cycle that is much gentler and simpler than a full IVF round.
At Bridge Clinic, we use advanced vitrification (flash-freezing) technology, which ensures your precious embryos have the very best chance of success when they are thawed. ❄️
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
A FET is a procedure where a high-quality embryo that was frozen during a previous IVF or ICSI cycle is thawed by our expert embryology team and transferred back into your uterus.
The key difference from a "fresh" cycle is that you do not need to undergo ovarian stimulation or an egg retrieval procedure. Instead, the focus is entirely on preparing your uterine lining to be perfectly receptive for the embryo to implant and grow.
Who is a FET Cycle For?
You might be preparing for a FET cycle if you:
Have surplus embryos frozen from a previous cycle and wish to grow your family.
Had a "freeze-all" cycle, where all your embryos were frozen for medical reasons (e.g., to prevent Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome).
Are using Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), as embryos are frozen while awaiting the results.
Are using donor embryos to build your family.
The FET Process: A Simpler Journey
Your FET cycle is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. The main goal is preparing your womb for the embryo.
Step 1: Preparing the Uterine Lining (Endometrium)
To ensure the best environment for implantation, your uterine lining needs to thicken. This is typically achieved in one of two ways:
Medicated Cycle: This is the most common approach. You will take oestrogen medication (usually as tablets) for about two weeks to help thicken your uterine lining. Once the lining is ready, you'll start taking progesterone to make it receptive. This method gives us precise control over the timing of your transfer.
Natural Cycle: If you have regular menstrual cycles, we can monitor your body's natural cycle. We use ultrasound scans to track the development of your uterine lining as you approach ovulation. The embryo transfer is then timed to your body's natural "fertile window".
Your consultant will discuss which protocol is most suitable for you.
Step 2: The Thawing Process
On the morning of your scheduled transfer, our embryologists will carefully thaw your embryo in the lab. Thanks to the vitrification technology we use, the survival rate for embryos is extremely high (over 95%). Our team will call you to confirm that your embryo has thawed successfully and is ready for transfer.
Step 3: The Embryo Transfer Procedure
This part of the process is exactly the same as a fresh transfer. It's a quick, simple, and usually painless procedure that does not require any sedation.
Using a very fine, soft catheter, your consultant will gently place the thawed embryo into your uterus.
The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure perfect placement.