Embryo transfer

[Rachael88066]

Hello me and my partner had ivf last year an conceived a baby girl we would like to try again next year and have 4 frozen embryos I was wondering if anyone was having this procedure around Norfolk as unsure how you go about it and what success rates are??

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Just answered your query in the “questions” section, and then saw this! Much longer answer, I’m afraid, but it does tell you the different types of FET’s that are available. Hope it helps. Diane

Frozen Embryo Cycle

A treatment cycle in which frozen embryos are to be thawed and transferred can be undertaken in several different ways. The most traditional methods have been to allow women to ovulate naturally or with Clomiphene (Clomid) followed by the transfer of embryos when the uterus is prepared ready to accept embryos.

Alternatively, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be used to prepare the uterus to accept embryos. Your Fertility Specialist will recommend what is appropriate for you.

Natural Cycle

The natural cycle method involves telephoning your clinic on the first working day after Day 1 of your period. He/she will then advise you when to commence the “Clearplan Urine Kit” (or similar) or daily blood tests to detect ovulation. You will have an ultrasound to confirm the development of your follicles. The transfer of the embryos will be timed for two or three days after ovulation, depending on the age and development of your frozen embryos. On average, 2 out of 3 embryos successfully thaw. On the day of transfer you then phone the clinic to check if the embryo/s have survived the thawing process before being attending. The embryos will be transferred to the uterus in the same way as a fresh transfer. Usually, you will be required to use progesterone pessaries/cream after your embryo transfer. DO NOT stop the medication unless instructed by the clinic.

A pregnancy test will be performed approximately 14 days after transfer, as usual. It is important that this test is performed even if you experience bleeding suggestive of a period.

Clomiphene (Clomid) Cycle

This type of cycle is the same as the Natural Cycle above but with the addition of Clomiphene (Clomid) as prescribed (usually Day 2 to Day 6).

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Cycle

You will be asked to phone your clinic prior to your expected period when he/she will explain the proposed treatment regime. You will be required to use the Oral Contraceptive Pill and Buserelin or similar followed by a blood test similar to the Down Regulation phase of a Stimulated Cycle. If the result of the blood test is satisfactory, you will commence taking oestrogen tablets morning and night (Day 1 of cycle).

You will have two ultrasound appointments between 8 and 14 days after commencing the oestrogen tablets. If the ultrasound result shows that the lining of the uterus is adequately prepared you will be advised to stop the Buserelin or similar, continue oestrogen and commence Progesterone and any other medications prescribed. Your embryo transfer will then usually take place in two or three days' time. Continue to take all medications as instructed until the result of your pregnancy test is known. On the day of transfer contact the clinic an hour before the procedure, to confirm that your embryo(s) have survived the thawing process. The embryo(s) will be transferred in the same way as a fresh embryo transfer. A pregnancy test will be performed 14 days after transfer, just the same. (The medications prescribed by your Fertility Specialist may prevent a period even if you are not pregnant). If the pregnancy test is positive, the medications will need to be continued until your Fertility Specialist advises otherwise. If the result is negative, the medications can stop. It is important that this test is performed even if you experience bleeding suggestive of a period, as with the other regimes.

[Rachael88066 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you for your help .

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

My pleasure. Diane

[Sunnysarah01]

Hi Rachel

I can see this is an old post but seen u mentioned norwich x

I also am from Norwich and hav only just been referred for my 1st attempt of IVF x did u have ur IVF treatment at Norwich? If so how did u find it?

And did U ever have that 2nd baby xxxx