Overview

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a type of IVF treatment provided in our IVF center in Mumbai which involves thawing and transferring a cryopreserved embryo generated in a previous egg retrieval cycle to the uterus. FET frequently makes use of frozen embryos from a prior conventional IVF treatment. An embryo that has been cryopreserved can also be a donor embryo.

IVF is one of the most generally prescribed reproductive procedures for couples who are having difficulty becoming pregnant naturally. The couple’s eggs and sperm are extracted during this therapy. In clinical conditions, the sperm is coupled with the egg for fertilization. Once fertilized, the embryo will be transferred to the woman’s uterus.

If the embryo does not attach to the uterus, the pregnancy will be unsuccessful, and the couple can try again. For many people, retrieving sperm and eggs every time is not a viable option. This is where frozen embryo transfer can help.

What is FET?

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a surgical process in which a cryopreserved embryo generated during an egg retrieval cycle is thawed and transferred to the woman’s uterus. In our best IVF hospital in Mumbai, the woman goes through a regular IVF procedure, but instead of transferring the embryos back into the uterus in the same cycle, they are stored for future use. Depending on her situation and medical conditions, a lady can use her own eggs or donor eggs. This treatment is favored because it allows the lady to recuperate from her current IVF cycle and lessens the impact of desynchronization.

Is it possible to freeze all embryos?

Only embryos of the required quality can be preserved. Only if the embryos are well-developed and healthy in the blastocyst stage will your fertility physician recommend freezing them.

When a woman is under the age of 35, her chances of having such viable embryos are better. With age, the health of the eggs and embryo deteriorates. A woman over 40 has a substantially lower likelihood of having healthy embryos in this blastocyst stage than someone in their early 30s.

Frozen vs. Fresh Embryo Transfer

A “fresh” embryo isn’t always preferable, but it can be beneficial in some instances. Fresh embryos, for example, may be recommended for younger patients when no chromosomal abnormality is detected, or for older patients who have embryos that may have a higher chance of gestation without waiting for genetic tests (sometimes embryos used in genetic testing have to be frozen).

According to the experts in the best IVF center in Mumbai, the success rates for fresh and frozen embryos are practically comparable. Several studies demonstrate that fresh embryos have a slight advantage, but the difference is usually minor. Nevertheless, when frozen embryos are employed in certain conditions, additional studies reveal a slightly higher cumulative live birth rate.

When a fresh transfer is not possible, sometimes the doctors at our IVF Center Mumbai may recommend elective frozen embryo transfer (sometimes known as a “freeze all” technique). In this situation, all embryos are cryopreserved and will be transplanted in the next month or two during a FET cycle. Cryopreservation is a possible method of storing and preserving embryos for future use.

Why Choose Frozen Embryo Transfer?

FET goes beyond IVF by allowing couples to keep their embryos from a single round for years. Not all IVF treatments are successful on the first try, and many couples undergo numerous attempts. One or both couples may be financially and emotionally drained as a result of this. According to the doctors at the best IVF hospital in Mumbai, these are some reasons why FET should be considered or why FET is preferred:

● Age

As a woman’s age increases, her odds of having a successful pregnancy drop. Yet, there are concerns for an older woman; the possibility of not having eggs or embryos owing to age is eliminated with the use of FET. A couple can choose to freeze their embryos when they are young and healthy and use them later in life, avoiding many of the hazards associated with aging.

● Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is possible with frozen embryo transfer. If a couple has a family history of genetic abnormalities and wishes to ensure that it is not passed down to the next generation, they can choose Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS). These tests assist the doctor in identifying and implanting only healthy embryos that are devoid of any genetic abnormalities or faults.

● Same-Sex

When both spouses are of the same gender, they can freeze the embryos using a donor egg, a donor sperm, or both. This assures that their children have the same genetic makeup.

● Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can harm sperm or eggs, making spontaneous pregnancy difficult after treatment. While it is possible to freeze one’s eggs or sperm before beginning chemo, there is no certainty that a healthy embryo will form. If one or more embryos have already been preserved, the odds of a successful pregnancy improve.

● Medications

Some drugs can have an impact on a person’s fertility. When such treatments become necessary and cannot be avoided, FET can be quite beneficial.

● Genetic Disorders

Certain genetic diseases can harm the reproductive organs or the entire process. When both partners are in good health, preserving one or more embryos can lessen the likelihood of such illnesses.

If you undergo IVF and have a surplus of healthy embryos after implantation, your fertility specialist at our best IVF center in Mumbai may advise freezing them for future use due to the major benefits of a frozen embryo transfer and the high success rates. Even if you decide not to utilize them later, freezing them provides a backup option if needed. Your doctor is the best source of information on whether this method is suitable for you or not.