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Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

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in Fertility Care

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment in which embryos created during a previous IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle are frozen and stored.
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Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

What is Frozen Embryo Transfer ?

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment in which embryos created during a previous IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle are frozen and stored. Later, when the couple is ready, one or more of these embryos are thawed and carefully placed into the woman’s uterus.
This method allows couples to use embryos from earlier cycles without undergoing another round of egg retrieval and ovarian stimulation. Thanks to modern freezing techniques (vitrification), embryos can survive freezing and thawing with very high success rates.
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When is Fet Considered ?

Doctors may recommend FET in several situations:

Leftover Embryos from IVF

  • If a couple has extra good-quality embryos after a fresh IVF cycle, they can be frozen for future use.

“Freeze-All” Approach

Sometimes, embryos are not transferred fresh because:

  • The uterine lining is not ready.
  • The woman is at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
  • Hormone levels are too high, which may lower the chance of implantation.

Genetic Screening

  • If embryos need to be tested for genetic conditions (PGT), freezing them allows time for testing before transfer.

Personal/Medical Reasons

  • Couples may want to delay pregnancy.
  • Women undergoing cancer treatment (like chemotherapy) can preserve embryos for later use.
  • For family planning, embryos can be stored and used later for siblings.

Types of Frozen Embryo Transfer

There are two main ways to prepare the uterus before transfer:

1. Medicated (Programmed) FET

  • The woman takes hormones (estrogen and progesterone) to prepare the uterine lining.
  • Doctors control the timing, making the process very predictable.
  • Advantages: Easier to schedule, less chance of cycle cancellation.

2. Natural FET

  • The woman’s natural menstrual cycle is monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests.
  • The transfer is done around the time of natural ovulation.
  • Advantages: Fewer medications, more natural.
Both methods have similar success rates, so the choice depends on medical history and doctor’s advice.

Step Process

Process of FET

Here’s how a typical FET cycle works:

Step 1 : Cycle Preparation
  • In medicated FET : the woman starts hormone therapy.
  • In natural FET : ovulation is tracked naturally.
  • Ultrasound scans check if the uterine lining is thick enough (usually 7–10 mm).
  • Progesterone is given (tablets, injections, or vaginal suppositories) to support implantation.
  • On the day of transfer, the embryo is gently thawed in the lab.
  • A thin catheter is used to place the embryo into the uterus.
  • The procedure is quick, painless, and usually does not require anesthesia.
  • The woman continues progesterone support.
  • A pregnancy test (blood hCG) is done after 10–14 days.

Results and Success Rate

  • With modern freezing methods, FET success rates are as good as, or sometimes better than, fresh embryo transfers.
  • Younger women (<35 years) may have up to 50–60% success per transfer.
  • Older women (40+) may have lower success rates (~20% or less), mostly due to egg quality.

Benefits of FET:

  • Reduces the risk of OHSS.
  • Allows the body time to recover from IVF medications.
  • Flexible timing—embryos can be used months or even years later.