What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
Frozen Embryo Transfer is a cycle where a vitrified embryo left from a previous fresh IVF cycle is devitrified and transferred back into a mother’s or in the case of using a vitrified embryo for Surrogacy — the Gestational Carrier’s uterus.
Who is it for?
When to try it?
What types of FET are there?
There are two kinds of FET cycles: hormonal support cycles involving administration of the fertility drugs to prepare the maternal endometrium for implantation and natural cycles without using medication except the hCG shot typically given to trigger ovulation.
What are my options?
How long does the FET cycle take?
On average, a single FET cycle takes about 6 to 8 weeks. However, the FET cycle timeline can take longer in some cases, depending on the Treatment Protocol, endometrial receptivity of the mother, using the embryo stored in the clinic or shipping an embryo from abroad (shipping can take 1–2 months), and the other cycle–related conditions.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates
According to the latest statistical results the pregnancy rates after a single vitrified–devitrified blastocyst transfer range from 50 to 79% depending on the freezing technique (slow–freezing has lower survival rates compared to Vitrification which has up to 100% of survival rates), quality of the embryo, endometrial receptivity of the mother, and other cycle–specific conditions.