Frozen Embryo Transfer
If you have embryos frozen following egg collection, these may be used later in a frozen embryo transfer cycle.
We usually advise that you have at least two normal periods prior to commencing a frozen embryo cycle, to allow your body to return to normal following ovarian stimulation.
What does Frozen Embryo Transfer involve?
If you wish to proceed with a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle you will need to ring your treatment unit on the first day of your period and arrange completion of a Frozen Embryo Transfer Declaration Form.
FET can be arranged as a natural or stimulated cycle.
With natural cycle FET, you will need to test your urine using a Clearplan Ovulation Predictor Kit and ring the Unit with a positive result, which will indicate when you are having your LH (Luteinising Hormone) surge. Embryo transfer then takes place 3-6 days after this, depending on the stage at which your embryos were frozen.
With a stimulated FET cycle, a date will be arranged for you to pick up your medication. This medication prepares the lining of your womb for embryo transfer and allows planning of the cycle when periods are irregular or when there are medical conditions that require regulation of the cycle. You will also need to attend the unit for a vaginal scan to monitor progress and your embryo transfer date will be advised to you by the Nursing staff.
A nurse making a decision on treatment
What happens on the day of embryo transfer?
On the day before the embryos are due to be thawed you will receive a telephone call from one of our embryologists. You will need to be available all day on the telephone number you have given on your declaration form. If you are unobtainable, your embryos will not be taken out of storage and embryo transfer will have to be delayed to the following month. You will also incur the cost of a cancelled FET cycle.
On the planned day of transfer the embryologist will telephone again, with a time to attend the unit, provided the embryos have thawed successfully.
What happens if the embryos fail to thaw?
If transfer is not going ahead, we will give you the opportunity to book a follow up appointment with your consultant if you wish.
Our counsellors are available at all stages of your treatment if you require their support. Please see our counselling page for details.