Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

During the normal IVF cycle when excess embryos are created and not transfered to the uterus, they can be frozen for future cycles. The procedure for freezing involves storing embryos at ultra cool temperatures. Embryos are suspended in a solution designed to protect them from the effects of freezing and then placed in a tank of liquid nitrogen and are stored in the laboratory at a temperature of minus 190oC.
Embryos can be transferred in a natural cycle or with medicated support. In medicated cycle series of hormone treatments is prescribed, starting with estrogen to thicken the lining of the uterus, followed by progesterone to mature the uterus ready for implantation.

Cycles will be monitored via blood test and transvaginal scans to ensure the embryos are replaced into the uterus at the correct stage in the patient's cycle. The embryos will be thawed under laboratory conditions and replaced into the uterus during the specific window of implantation.