FET - can someone outline this process

[Kennyjen]

Hello everyone,

I’m trying my best to work out dates for my upcoming FET, but have only had a fresh transfer so have no idea about how long I’ll be taking hormones for before having the actual transfer. My NHS clinic is closed at the moment and no example protocols are shared online.

I have a telephone appointment with the nurse to begin the FET process on 24th January and my period is due to start around the same time.

Are blood tests and scans normally needed before starting the hormones for FET?

On what cycle day are hormones normally started?

Which cycle day is transfer likely to take place on?

I understand the plan for me could be different, but any help on outlining the average FET process would be greatly appreciated!

[Habibi87]

Hi Kennyjen, do you know if you’ll be going for a medicated FET or a natural FET?

[Kennyjen in reply to Habibi87]

I spoke with the consultant at the end of November and have opted for a medicated FET.

[Habibi87 in reply to Kennyjen]

Hi Kennyjen, in my clinic the medicated protocol consisted of a baseline scan, then 14 days of medications, then a further scan to check if endometrium had thickened enough. If all good with endometrium, progesterone was added for a number of days before proceeding with the transfer. Wishing you lots of luck xxx

[Kennyjen in reply to Habibi87]

Thanks so much for this - it’s very helpful! Was your baseline scan carried on a specific cycle day or specific window?

[Habibi87 in reply to Kennyjen]

They normally did the baseline scan on day 2 or 3 of the cycle, but this can vary a bit depending on the clinic I think.

[Jokiekin11]

it all depends on if you’re doing a natural or medicated FET. Then the medicated FET can vary if you’re put on a down regulated cycle x

[Kennyjen in reply to Jokiekin11]

I’ve opted for a medicated FET.

[Jokiekin11 in reply to Kennyjen]

From what I know (my clinic, think they will all vary to a degree) if it’s down regulated then medication will start on day 21 of cycle if not then day 1 of cycle.

If down regulating, can take a few weeks to shut everything off (scan to check) then if lining is thin, ok to start estrogen for 10-13 days, then another scan to check lining is thick enough. If ok then start progesterone and they will then book you for transfer could be 5-7 days after this (if it’s a blastocyst you’re having transferred) I presume sooner if a three day embryo.

Suppose it’s hard to put a time scale on everything as it depends on the way your body responds to each step.

[Eggfreezer2015]

I’m starting a FET in Jan and I’ve been told to start Estrogeon tablets and patches from Day 1 of period. I will then be scanned and decisions made based on thickness of womb lining etc. That’s all I know for now. Hope that helps a little.

[Kennyjen in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thank you for replying. This is helpful! Good luck with your treatment!

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Try not to worry it will all be explained fully to you at your appointment in January - it can take 6 to 8 wks Good luck when you start your treatment - take it a stage at a time If there is any thing you are unsure of, as for it to be explained again to you

Thinking of you

Janet

[cache_cache]

I am currently on medicated FET and I had a baseline scan on day 2 of my cycle and I have started estrogen tablets. I had another scan on day 7 and I will start progesterone on day 13. The transfer is scheduled for day 17 if everything goes smoothly. I was also given a small dose of corticosteroids and I had a blood test to check the progesterone levels and I was told that it is better to postpone the transfer if it is too high (I am still awaiting for the results). I hope this is helpful. Wishing you lots of luck ХХ

[Kennyjen in reply to cache_cache]

Thanks so much - this is incredibly helpful! Good luck with your treatment!

[Bed12]

Hi I’ve had three fets. Generally it goes like this (may be some variation depending on personal circumstances):

Start taking estrogen on day of full flow cycle. Scan on day 7-9 to check thickness of uterus lining. Once thickness is at the right level, day zero is decided as well as the day of the fet. and this is when you start progestrone. You take progesterone for five days, usually clinics check progesterone level two days before day of fet.

Of course there might be some variation e.g. aspirin, blood thinner injection, patches of estrogen if needed. Hope this helps ☺️ x

[Kennyjen in reply to Bed12]

Thanks so much for sharing - it really is helpful! Did you have a baseline scan before starting the hormones?

[Bed12]

oh yes I had the standard baseline scan and then waited for my period to start and then followed the above process.