9. Frozen Embryo Transfer

What is a frozen embryo transfer?

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a cycle where a frozen embryo from a previous fresh IVF cycle is thawed and transferred back into a woman's uterus. This means you won't have to undergo another cycle of hormone stimulation and egg collection.

Frozen embryo cycles can be undertaken on your natural cycle or using hormone preparation, or ovulation induction.

 During IVF treatment, one or several embryos may result. It is only safe, however, to transfer one or a couple at a time.

Transferring multiple embryos increases the risk of multiple pregnancy. Any frozen embryos will be stored at BFC, where they will

be kept frozen in cryostorage until you decide to either use or discard them.

Embryos can be frozen from Day 2 (four cell stage) to Day 5 (Blastocyst). They are placed in thin plastic straws ( special things used for

vitrification),  labelled with your name and identification number.

The straws are then placed in goblets, and put into tanks filled with liquid nitrogen, which keeps the temperature at -196° Celsius. Once you feel  that your family is complete, and you have no further usage for your frozen embryos, you may decide to thaw them and let them regress naturally  to conceive. BFC team can discuss all your option with you.