Is anyone able to explain the frozen embryo transfer process, following a natural cycle?

[Kiri23]

Hi all. So unfortunately my fresh embryo transfer was unsuccessful in October. I’ve needed time to recover physically and mentally. Physically my body was bloated and mentally I was so upset. There was even a little voice trying to convince my the test was wrong. Now having had time to digest it all, we have one embryo which is frozen and I would like to go ahead with the transfer in January. We had a meeting with our consultant post transfer but I can’t remember what the embryo transfer process is. I know we will be following a natural cycle this time round, need to go for scans, track ovulation and may need meds to ovulate if I don’t ovulate on day 14. Not been through the process before so any help/clarification is much appreciated.

Thank you lovely ladies.

[Tnthketnf]

HiI am sorry for your failed transfer.

As for the natural FET clinics do things differently. My clinic is an NHS one and they do a true natural. They ask you to start testing with ovulation tests at home on a specific day depending on your cycle length. For 25 day cycle in my case that's day 7. Once I get a positive I phone and go in on the same day for a blood test. Based on this they calculate ovulation and transfer day, about 6 days after. No scan, no other monitoring, no checking of the lining or drugs. Nothing.

I insisted and they agreed on some luteal support that's progesterone injections in my case but could be pessaries too. Starting the day after ovulation.

Other clinics have a more hands on approach with scans on day 1, another around day 9 and at ovulation. Blood tests for lh They also give you a trigger injection to pinpoint the ovulation exactly. And then they plan the transfer about a week after I think. sometimes they check the progesterone levels too.

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

As 1st post says FET can and does vary from clinic to clinic Try not to worry about it as it should be explained to you step by step nearer the time - if then unsure about any aspect of it you should be able to ask questions

Good luck with your treatment

[Emilye92x]

Hi Kiri,So sorry to hear that your fresh transfer was unsuccessful 😢

I unfortunately had the same experience and waited a few months between my fresh and frozen. My frozen was a natural transfer - I was told from a certain point in my cycle to take ovulation tests twice a day morning and night at the same time each day. As soon as I got a positive I was to call the clinic to get a scan to check my ovaries and lining thickness. All was well with that then they started me on progesterone pessaries three times a day and I had my frozen transfer 5 days later. I stayed on the progesterone until my OTD then they said I could stop. I was super anxious as had a precious chemical so did have to pay to carry it on until the viability scan (this FET was on the NHS!)

Currently just over 16 weeks fingers crossed you'll have just as much luck!!! 🤞🤞🤞 xxx