Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

If embryos are not transferred into a woman’s uterus during a fresh cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the viable embryos are cryopreserved and can be used in a subsequent cycle to attempt pregnancy. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) usually costs significantly less than a fresh IVF cycle because no fertility medications are required to stimulate the ovaries and an egg retrieval is not needed.

For an FET cycle, patients will take oral estrogen and Dr. Brown will monitor the uterine lining approximately two weeks after beginning the fertility medications. If the lining of the uterus looks thick and measures at least 7 mm, the naturally occurring progesterone is level is checked to rule out possible ovulation and progesterone supplementation begins. Dr. Brown will perform the FET either on the 4th or 6th day of progesterone use. This usually depends on what stage the embryo was frozen.  Typically, an FET cycle takes 3 to 4 weeks, but can vary significantly for each individual cycle. 

Many patients not only find the FET cycle less costly, they also find that the time commitment is considerably less, making scheduling much easier. 

FET success rates vary and usually hinge on several factors such as the number of embryos that are transferred as well as the quality of those embryos.