What is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
The Frozen Embryo Transfer process occurs after the uterus is prepared with hormones to mimic a woman’s natural menstrual cycle. There are several different protocols or methods used to prepare the woman’s uterus for embryo transfer that can be based on using birth control and Lupron or just starting based on a woman’s menstrual cycle.
All frozen embryo cycles have two phases. In the first phase the goal is to build up the lining in the uterus with estrogen medication or with a woman’s own estrogen that she produces. Typically when the lining reaches 8.0 mm or greater and has the preferred trilaminar (three lines) appearance on ultrasound a woman is given progesterone to prepare the lining for transfer. If you have problems with the development of the uterine lining there are different options to help thicken the lining. Some women will never have a trilaminar appearance of their lining and that is o.k. because they can still have a successful embryo transfer.
The timing of embryo transfer is very sensitive and typically has to be done within a 6 hour window 5 to 6 days after the start of progesterone. For patients with few embryos or prior FET failures an endometrial receptivity assay can be performed to help determine the best time to transfer the embryo. Endometrial receptivity assays can also be used to discover any bacterial growth in the uterus that can be treated to reduce inflammation in the uterus and improve success rates with embryo transfer.
Some patients may be interested in having a traditional or fresh embryo transfer which is performed 5 days after egg retrieval. This type of embryo transfer has fallen out of favor because it does not allow enough time for Preimplantation Genetic Testing to be performed. The higher than normal estradiol levels and rising progesterone that result from the IVF stimulation can also lessen the chances for success with a fresh embryo transfer compared to Frozen Embryo Transfer. In some cases, however, fresh embryo transfer may be an appropriate option and this can be discussed with your physician.
If you are interested in the Frozen Embryo Transfer process, and already have embryos created at another clinic or laboratory please contact us. We receive many inquiries about this process and are happy to work with you for your embryo transfer. Our embryology staff will ask to review your laboratory records prior to sending embryos to our facility to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate. We provide our patients with information on companies that can move embryos from one facility to another. Once the embryos are received the transfer process can begin.”
Can a surrogate mother decide to keep the baby?
Before surrogacy is pursued, a proper legal contract is put in place to protect everyone and to address the expectations, medical risks and parental rights of the intended parents and gestational surrogate for the full term of the pregnancy. The state laws in each state vary so it is important to review them with your legal representative prior to proceeding. Once the surrogacy contract is signed you can rest easy knowing that the baby is yours to keep from birth. At Inovi Fertility & Genetics Institute, your health care providers will work with you to ensure the highest level of legal protection before beginning any procedures.
Ready to pursue gestational surrogacy?
If you believe gestational surrogacy is the right choice for you, we want to help. Give us a call at 713-401-9000 to schedule a consultation and review treatment options with Dr. Stephan Krotz today.
We can guide you through the process of evaluating your eggs or sperm for use with IVF, finding egg or sperm donors, coordinating egg donation, setting up an appointment with a mental health professional (required in all third party reproduction), finding a surrogacy agency, developing a surrogacy arrangement and performing the procedures that will allow your baby to become a reality.