A frozen embryo transfer is perfect for couples who are somehow unable to transfer the embryo to the female partner on the same day of fertilization.
This frozen embryo transfer is the final and end step in an IVF procedure where a frozen embryo is placed inside the receiving woman’s uterus, for pregnancy to take place.
FET using donor eggs starts by choosing an egg donor who undergoes an IVF cycle to get donor eggs. After this process, the medical team collects the donor’s eggs following a course of injections that stimulate ovulation and then inseminates them with sperm from either the recipient’s partner or a selected donor. Once the embryos develop under optimal conditions in the laboratory, they preserve all the embryos through cryopreservation. The FET process typically takes only 2-3 weeks, from transferring the embryos to confirming successful implantation.
What Steps are involved in the Frozen Embryo Transfer Process?
Preparation
They have to administer themselves prescribed medicines to get the body ready for transfer.
Transfer Environment
The medical team performs the embryo transfer in a sterile clinic, staying with you throughout the process.
No Anesthesia Needed
It is an un-agented examination that can nonetheless involve the offer of a muscle relaxant for the patient’s wellbeing.
Identity Confirmation
Your identity is confirmed to ensure it tallies with the one on your embryo records.
Embryo Handling
The embryologist accomplishes the preparation of the embryo and places it in the transfer catheter.
Placement
A speculum is used where the cervix is reached, and it is then cleaned. When directing the catheter with ultrasound, it is placed inside the uterus, and the embryo is gently placed in.
Single Embryo Transfer
To minimize the risk of multiples, the medical team transfers one embryo back to the womb while freezing the others for future use.
Post-Procedure and Monitoring
This is followed by a blood test after 15 minutes of the procedure and then again after 4-7 days of the procedure; a pregnancy test is done after 2 weeks of the transfer.
FET Timeline and Calendar
The timing of a FET Timeline depends on the readiness of the endometrium – the uterine lining that is developed in response to estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen makes the lining ready and the onset of the progesterone treatment sets the day for transfer.
This cautious and calculated approach maximizes the likelihood of pregnancy while at the same time leaving room for follow-up attempts.
Below is an example chart of how a FET Timeline and calendar look like
Baseline Ultrasound done
| Baseline Ultrasound done | Day 1 Estrogen, Blood Test Done | Day 2 Estrogen Started | ||
| Day 3 Estrogen | Day 4 Estrogen | Day 5 Estrogen | Day 6 Estrogen | Day 7 Estrogen |
| Day 8 Monitoring Ultrasound, Estrogen | Day 9 Estrogen | Day 10 Estrogen | Day 11 Estrogen | Day 12 Monitoring Ultrasound, Estrogen |
| Day 13 Estrogen, Progesterone Started | Day 14 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 15 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 16 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 17 Embryo Transfer, Estrogen, Progesterone |
| Day 18 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 19 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 20 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 21 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 22 Estrogen, Progesterone |
| Day 23 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 24 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 25 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 26 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 27 Estrogen, Progesterone |
| Day 28 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 29 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 30 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 31 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 32 Estrogen, Progesterone, Test Day |
| Day 33 Estrogen, Progesterone | Day 34 Estrogen, Progesterone, Results |
Some tips are refreshing, aren’t they? Let’s identify some embryo transfer tips.
Embryo Transfer Tips
- Diet
Ask your fertility specialist about the advisability of having a high-fat /low-carb diet when planning for a pregnancy. This type of diet in most instances tends to decrease inflammation in the overall body, the G.I. tract, and the reproductive system. A high-fat/low-carb diet also helps carbohydrate and amino acid production as many female hormones originate from cholesterol in the body.
A good diet for frozen embryo transfer
In general, reproductive endocrinologists recommend eating warmer foods and foods with high concentrations of omega fatty acids as you prepare for your FET, such as Warm soups Quinoa, farro and whole grain pasta, and other complex carbohydrate foods. Avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, and seeds as examples of being rich in healthy fats.
Fish and chicken are lean proteins one must ensure as the have low-mercury fish. Raw food products especially fruits and vegetables (Berries, Pineapple) Whole food items such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas Warm water with lemon.
- Chemical avoidance
No EDC items during the FET process, as such products affect hormones, reproduction, and fetal development.
Such chemicals include formalin, parabens, benzophenone, BPA, triclosan, dioxins, and phthalates. Other goods may be nail varnish, plastics, coated cutlery or any kitchen utensils with Teflon coating, scented cosmetic products such as perfumes and deodorants, scented soaps, scented creams and lotions, and any fabric or cloth that is stain-resistant.
- Supplements
Discuss with your specialist about the possibility of taking fertility supplements inclusive of co-q10, inositol, and Vitamin D; which may be useful for some couples planning for FET. Endometrial Biopsy: In case of prior failed IVF cycles, your fertility doctor may advise you to take into account an endometrial biopsy.
Endometrial Biopsy
If the prior IVF cycle has resulted in failed embryo implantation, then your specific fertility doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy be taken into consideration.
Holistic Therapies: Lastly there are the concepts of body and mind therapies that could potentially increase chances of success.
Studies show that women undergoing IVF treatments can enhance their chances of pregnancy by up to 65% with acupuncture. There is also a special massage that targets the infertility area because it promotes circulation and helps unblock some of the areas that can inhibit fertility; also relieves stress and anxiety that may be related to infertility. Yoga is another therapy that targets managing stress as a condition of the whole body.
Post Frozen Embryo Transfer Advice
The embryo implantation can take place up to 3 days after the embryo transfer. Some of them include that bed rest is not encouraged since it is considered to be dangerous after the procedure has been done.
Many clinics recommend returning to usual activities but avoiding aggravating exercises, baths, or intimacy. During the wait, they try to find ways to have some fun, get enough rest, and clear their minds about the pregnancy test for the next two weeks.
Remember
It is very important to observe the following guidelines:
- No change to the dosage, frequency, or types of medication that have been prescribed by your specialist
- One should eat and behave as if one is pregnant.
- Maintain physical activity, but avoid strenuous work and sexual intercourse until the contractions subside.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Properly No hot baths, hot saunas, heating pads, or electric blankets that can increase the temperature of your uterus.
