Female fertility treatment · Thanjavur

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

A previously frozen embryo is thawed and placed in the uterus in a cycle prepared for implantation, without new stimulation or egg collection.

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Open: Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pmSunday: by prior appointment only
Find us: Dean Complex, Maris Corner, Thanjavur

Dr. Sangeetha BalamuruganFertility Specialist & Reproductive Medicine Specialist

A pipette releasing a drop into a culture dish

About frozen embryo transfer

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is the transfer of an embryo that was frozen during an earlier IVF or ICSI cycle. The embryo is thawed in the laboratory and placed into the uterus at the time when the lining of the uterus is ready to receive it.

At Skanda Fertility & Women's Health Centre, Thanjavur, the FET cycle is planned around your menstrual cycle, previous treatment and the embryos in storage.

The FET process

A frozen embryo transfer cycle generally includes:

Review of previous treatment and the stored embryos
Preparing the lining of the uterus, in a natural or medicated cycle
Ultrasound scans to check the lining
Timing the transfer to the stage of the embryo
Thawing the embryo in the laboratory
Embryo transfer, a short procedure usually done without anaesthesia
Medicines to support the lining after transfer, where advised
A pregnancy test about two weeks later

How the lining is prepared depends on how regular your cycles are and on your medical history.

When FET may be advised

A frozen embryo transfer may be planned when:

Embryos were frozen in an earlier cycle
A fresh transfer was avoided because of a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation
The lining was not suitable in the stimulation cycle
Trying again after an earlier transfer
Treatment uses donor eggs or donor embryos
Delaying the transfer is advised for other reasons

Dr. Sangeetha Balamurugan holding a baby in her consultation room

Care around the transfer

The days around an embryo transfer can feel long. The team explains which medicines to continue, what activity is fine and when to take the pregnancy test, and is there to answer questions while you wait.

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Questions

Questions about frozen embryo transfer

Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm · Sunday: by prior appointment only · Please contact us in advance to schedule your appointment.

Call +91 73589 75682

Is the transfer painful?

Embryo transfer is usually a quick procedure, similar to a speculum examination, and anaesthesia is not usually needed. Some women feel mild cramping.

Do I need injections for FET?

Not always. Some transfers are done in a natural cycle with little medication; others use tablets, patches or injections to prepare the lining. The choice depends on your cycle and history.

What if the embryo does not survive thawing?

If an embryo does not survive thawing, the team will discuss whether another stored embryo can be thawed or what the next step should be.

Can I return to my normal routine after the transfer?

Most women return to light daily activities soon after the transfer. Your team will advise you on any precautions.