Frozen Egg Transfer

[Luna11]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can give me any information on a FET cycle. We have got an embryo in the freezer and want to see if it works some time in the next 6months.

Thanks

[IVFat40]

Hello 🙂 I think probably the first thing your clinic will discuss with you is whether to do a medicated cycle or a natural cycle with no medication. Confusingly there also seem to be a lot of variations somewhere in between, for example natural FET cycles but with some progesterone support.

I've done 2 FETS so far and for me I was really keen to do natural cycles as I love the option of being on less drugs, but that said on the second one we decided to add in cyclogest (progesterone pessaries) after transfer as I'd previously bled before OTD.

With the natural FET it involves tracking your ovulation (with the urine test sticks), and then the clinic time the transfer based on the timing of ovulation. They also do a scan or scans to check your lining is the right thickness before transfer (and to look for a lead follicle).

My clinic did mention that natural FETs seem to have a slightly higher success rate than medicated, but I think if I'm right it's only suitable if you have regular cycles, and it's also more unpredictable timing wise and can risk the cycle needing to be cancelled if you miss the ovulation or if the transfer day falls on a Sunday (if your clinic is like mine and is closed on a Sunday).

I've not been successful yet though, my first FET was BFN and my second a chemical. I've 3 frozen embryos still (and if I'm lucky making one or two more this week) so hopefully will be doing more FETs (well I guess hopefully just one more FET!).

Wishing you loads and loads of luck.

[Luna11 in reply to IVFat40]

Thank you for your reply. I didn’t realise there were 2 types of cycles, I just thought you would have to take the drugs!!

There are so many different ways you can do it, it’s crazy!! Did your embryos thaw out ok? That’s the first hurdle to get over isn’t it?

I’m sorry you have yet to be successful, fingers crossed for your next round. Someone I know took 4 rounds and now has a gorgeous little baby boy. It’s such a rollercoaster of emotions. We only got 2 embryos and were so lucky on our first round to get a BFP and now have a 21month old so think it’s time to try again! Xx

[Luna11 in reply to IVFat40]

Also, will it be done over 2 months as do I have to down regulate then take the drugs?? Thanks x

[IVFat40 in reply to Luna11]

Thank you for your good wishes lovely, and congratulations on your beautiful little one, it's always so encouraging to hear of IVF success stories.

Yes for me I've not had any difficulties with embryos thawing, I've thawed 3 so far and all 3 thawed well in the morning and continued developing before transfer in the afternoon (probably the reason I've not been successful so far is age related so chromosomal abnormalities).

With the natural FETs it's just during one month, timing wise pretty similar to if you were trying naturally really (only with an added embryo transfer!). I'm not sure what happens with the fully medicated FETs though?

[Luna11 in reply to IVFat40]

Ok thanks for that, I suppose I just need to get in touch with the clinic and get the ball rolling.

Please don’t be disheartened with the age thing as I was 39 when we first did it and now approaching 41. Another friend was 45 and has the same age little boy as us!! X

[IVFat40 in reply to Luna11]

🙂 I especially love similar age success stories!