Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Since 2012, Dominion Fertility has adopted a “freeze all” embryo approach for IVF in which no fresh embryo transfer is performed. This approach optimizes successful outcomes while reducing the risk of certain complications of fertility care.
Moreover, a frozen embryo transfer can be a good option for many patients. In most respects, it is a lot simpler than a fresh IVF cycle because you don’t have to undergo egg retrieval and there is a minimal number of hormone injections.
At Dominion Fertility, we are proud that our success rates with frozen embryos are outstanding. We take excellent care of your frozen embryos and the chance of an embryo failing to survive the thawing process is very small.
If you have embryos stored at another fertility clinic and wish to become a patient at Dominion Fertility, we are happy to help facilitate the transfer of these embryos to our center. We invite you to contact our fertility specialists or make an appointment to get started today!
Build Your Family Through Frozen Embryo Transfer
Reasons behind our universal freeze-all policy
Reason #1: It’s safer for you and better for your pregnancy.
One of the most vexing problems with IVF has been the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Freezing all the embryos from an IVF cycle and performing a frozen embryo transfer (FET) at a later date can reduce the risk and severity of OHSS.
In addition, several studies have shown that performing an embryo transfer in a stimulated cycle can lead to an increase in pregnancy-related complications such as first and third-trimester bleeding. During a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle your hormone levels are ideal leading to a better outcome for you and your baby.
Reason #2: Most patients choose Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT allows us to determine which embryos are genetically normal so we can maximize pregnancy rates with elective single embryo transfer and decrease the risk of miscarriage. However, PGT results are not available for about a week following the biopsy of the blastocyst stage embryo necessitating the freezing of all embryos following the biopsy.
Mediated Frozen Embryo Transfers
At Dominion Fertility, we perform Medicated FET cycles which offer several advantages, including the ability to optimize the uterine environment, better timing control, and potentially lower stress on the body compared to a full IVF cycle involving ovarian stimulation.
Medicated FET Cycles
A Medicated Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle is a specific protocol used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. It involves the transfer of a previously frozen embryo into a uterus, following a controlled medication regimen to prepare the uterine lining for successful embryo implantation. The goal of a medicated FET cycle is to create the optimal environment for the embryo to attach to the uterine wall and initiate a pregnancy.
Additionally, a medicated FET cycle offers more control for patients who require advanced planning for the timing of the transfer. Patients begin estrogen medications just after the beginning of their menses and are monitored periodically (using blood work and sonograms). When hormone levels are optimal and the endometrium is ready, then we start progesterone and the transfer is performed about a week later as planned.