What is FET?

FET, also known as Frozen Embryo Transfer is a process in which frozen embryos from a previous fresh IVF cycle are thawed and transferred into the woman’s uterus. Healthy embryos produced from an IVF cycle but not transferred to the patient can be frozen and stored. FET is the most effective way for women to preserve their fertility.

Women consider FET as an option to avoid the risks, costs and inconvenience of fertility drugs and undergoing egg collection multiple times. Patients who had an unsuccessful cycle or ready to expand their family again will have the FET option waiting for them.

When a couple decides they want to proceed with the FET cycle, an ultra sound is performed and medications will be given to optimize the lining of the woman’s uterus for implantation. Estrogen and progesterone injections will be given for 2-3 weeks and Dr. Sharara will check the uterine lining before beginning the implantation. Embryo thawing only takes an hour or so and the quality of the embryos is thoroughly checked for a positive transfer outcome. Patients will find that going thru the FET process is easier and less intense than an IVF cycle.

The success rate of an FET cycle is about the same as a fresh IVF cycle, the fundamental factor for success is the maternal age at the time of the embryo freezing. Many of our patients wait several years before going thru the FET process. Rest assured, no matter the amount of time between embryo freezing and thawing patients can rely on the same embryo quality because frozen embryos are suspended in time and do not age.

The Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine Frozen Embryo Success Rate results for January 1, 2014-June 30, 2014 can be seen here:

The complete Frozen Embryo Transfer Results for 2013 are shown here:

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