Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

FET is the transfer of viable embryos into the uterus following an IVF cycle where the embryos were frozen.  Often more than one egg is retrieved and fertilized during IVF, and any viable embryos not immediately transferred into the uterus can be frozen using a process called vitrification, whereby the embryos are rapidly cooled using liquid nitrogen.

To transfer a frozen embryo, the woman’s uterus is prepared for implantation using natural hormone medications with periodic monitoring to ensure an optimal uterine environment. This cycle takes about three weeks.

When our physicians determine that the uterine lining is ready, the embryo will be thawed by our experienced laboratory staff and prepared for transfer. The transfer procedure itself is simple with little to no side effects and will be performed by one of the Fertility Institute’s physicians in the procedure room.