Frozen embryo transfers can be performed in cases where a couple has embryos frozen, either from a previous IVF attempt or as a form of fertility preservation. Below, we will take a look at how frozen embryo transfer works, as well as the most common situations in which the procedure is performed.

How Frozen Embryo Transfer Works

During a frozen embryo cycle, a woman's uterus is prepared with hormonal medication for a few weeks. Once the uterine lining is ready, the embryos are thawed and examined to ensure that they survived the freeze thaw process. Then, the embryos can be transferred to the uterus. If the embryos implant in the uterine lining, pregnancy occurs.‍

Embryo Freezing as Fertility Preservation

‍Embryo freezing is sometimes used as a form of fertility preservation, in which a couple who is not yet ready to have children freezes embryos to be used later on. This is especially common when the woman is dealing with a serious medical condition, or when one or both partners is being deployed overseas in a combat zone. Embryo cryopreservation is preferred to egg freezing if a woman has a male partner.

‍Embryo Freezing During IVF

‍During IVF cycles, it is frequently the case that more embryos are created than can be used in a single cycle. The embryos that are not used during the cycle can be examined for quality, and the embryos that appear to be of appropriate quality can be frozen for later use. Embryos frozen during IVF can be used if the first cycle of IVF is not successful, or to have another child if the initial cycle is successful. A frozen embryo transfer cycle has several advantages over a full IVF cycle. First, it is much more affordable, often costing only a fraction of the amount of a full cycle. In addition, the process is much less intensive; the woman will receive medication to prepare her uterus, but the course of medication is less intensive and the timeline for the procedure to be performed is more flexible.

Finally, only the embryo transfer, and not the egg retrieval, need to be performed, so there is less risk and discomfort. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about whether embryo freezing is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.