What Happens During a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
What happen in the lab during a frozen embryo transfer cycle with embryologist Jessica from Explaining IVF!
What Happens During a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A few hours prior to an embryo transfer, the embryo is removed from liquid nitrogen and thawed in a specialized medium (fluid). The time between the thaw and embryo transfer varies between clinics.
An embryo often initially appears collapsed at the time of thaw since water was removed from its cells when it was frozen. Over the next few hours, the embryo should begin to re-expand as water enters its cells.
After the embryo has been thawed, it’s placed into a culture dish (a plastic dish with fluid that supports the embryo while it is inside of the incubator). This dish is then placed into an incubator until the time of transfer.
At the time of transfer, the dish with the embryo is removed from the incubator. The embryo is loaded into a transfer catheter along with a small amount of fluid.
The transfer catheter with the embryo is then taken to the operating room and the catheter is inserted into the uterus using an ultrasound as a guide. When the tip of the catheter is in position in the uterus, the embryo and fluid are plunged into the uterus. This often appears as a right white flash on the ultrasound screen.
Afterward, the catheter is inspected to ensure that the embryo was successfully transferred. If it was not, the catheter is reloaded, and the process is repeated. This should not affect success rates.
Do you have an FET cycle coming up? 🤍✨️
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
