The Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfer

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) offers multiple advantages for couples undergoing IVF, making it a popular and valuable option. Here's why:

1. Second chances within reach: After an initial IVF cycle, unused high-quality embryos can be frozen. If the first fresh embryo transfer isn't successful, FET provides a "backup", potentially leading to pregnancy without repeating the entire IVF process. This is significantly more affordable and requires less medication compared to a new IVF cycle.

2. Reduced risk of multiple births: Unlike fresh embryo transfers, where multiple embryos are often implanted to increase pregnancy chances, FET typically uses fewer embryos. This significantly reduces the risk of high-order multiple births (triplets or more), which can be risky for both mother and babies.

3. Optimal timing for implantation: During the initial IVF cycle, hormone stimulation might not perfectly align with the uterus' ideal lining for implantation. Freezing embryos allows for better timing in subsequent FET cycles, potentially improving pregnancy success rates.

4. Long-term preservation: Thanks to advanced cryopreservation techniques, embryos can be frozen at any stage of development and stored for years without compromising their viability. This flexibility gives couples time to make important decisions without sacrificing future fertility options.

5. Multiple pregnancies from one cycle: In some cases, FET has allowed couples to achieve multiple pregnancies from a single ovarian stimulation cycle. This reduces the overall cost and emotional stress associated with multiple separate IVF cycles.