What is FET? Frozen embryo transfer, explained
FET stands for frozen embryo transfer. It's an IVF procedure where an embryo that's already been frozen and stored is thawed and placed into the uterus, giving it the chance to implant and grow into a pregnancy.
FET stands for frozen embryo transfer. It's an IVF procedure where an embryo that's already been frozen and stored is thawed and placed into the uterus, giving it the chance to implant and grow into a pregnancy.
It's different from a "fresh" transfer, which happens right after egg collection. Because FET separates egg collection from the transfer itself, it gives us time for pre-implantation genetic testing, or lets your body recover fully before we go ahead.
How does FET work?An FET cycle generally follows three steps:
- We prepare your uterus. We get your womb lining ready for pregnancy, either by monitoring a natural menstrual cycle closely or using hormonal medication, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
- We thaw your embryo. Your embryo is thawed in the lab. We freeze embryos using vitrification, a fast-freezing method that gives embryos a strong chance of surviving the thaw.
- We carry out the transfer. We draw the thawed embryo into a thin catheter and guide it gently through the cervix into your womb, watching its progress with a transvaginal ultrasound.
A well-prepared uterus. Egg collection involves intense hormonal medication, and FET gives your body time to reset afterwards. For some patients, this makes the uterus more receptive to the embryo.
Time for genetic testing. If you choose pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), your embryos need to be frozen. This gives us time to receive the results before we go ahead with the transfer.
Flexibility for the future. If your first cycle goes well, any remaining embryos can be stored safely for years, so they're ready if you decide to grow your family again later.
Frequently asked questions
What does FET stand for? FET stands for frozen embryo transfer.
How is FET different from a fresh embryo transfer? A fresh transfer happens straight after egg collection. FET separates the two, so the embryo is frozen first and transferred later, once your body has had time to recover or testing is complete.
Does freezing harm the embryo? We use vitrification, a fast-freezing method that gives embryos a strong survival rate through the thawing process.
Is a frozen embryo transfer painful? No. It's a quick procedure using a thin catheter, and most people find it comfortable.