Frozen
Embryo Transfer
This
brief, painless procedure involves the
doctor placing a catheter that has been
loaded with a selected number of embryos
by the Embryologist, through the cervix
and into the uterus to deposit the embryos.
When possible Blastocyst transfers are
done, which occur around day five of embryonic
growth. Blastocyst transfers allow a more
mature embryo to be transferred, allowing
the Embryologist to select fewer embryos
for transfer, achieving a high pregnancy
rate with a lower risk of multiple gestations
above twins. Occasionally, cleavage stage,
day three of embryonic growth transfer
are done at they recommendation of the
Embryologist based on the quality of the
embryo.
When
more eggs are retrieved than needed, we
can freeze them for future use (cryopreservation).
Embryos can be frozen at any stage between
day one and day six after egg retrieval
and can be stored for up to five years.
We offer frozen embryo transfer at our
Valencia, Beverly Hills, and Burbank offices
to allow you the chance of conception
when the time is right for you.
The
frozen embryo transfer process is less
invasive than standard egg collection.
Frozen embryo transfer can be done during
your natural cycle, or we may need to
control your cycle with medication depending
on whether we can monitor the time of
your natural ovulation. The embryos are
placed into your uterus at the time of
ovulation and the when the thickness of
the endometrium (lining of your uterus)
is right.
Before
the frozen embryo transfer can be performed,
your embryos will need to be thawed so
the age of the embryos corresponds to
the age of your uterine lining. The timing
of frozen embryo transfer usually depends
on the stage at which the embryos were
frozen.
Not
all embryos survive the cryopreservation
process. Before the frozen embryo transfer,
we will evaluate your embryos to make
sure they are ready for transfer. If they
are, then the frozen embryo transfer can
go forward.
The
embryo transfer is usually performed two
days after ovulation. During the procedure
a catheter is inserted through the cervix
and the embryos are placed injected into
the uterus. The frozen embryo transfer
usually takes about 15 minutes.
The
success rate of frozen embryo transfer
is almost as successful as standard IVF.
Success depends on several factors, including
the number and quality of embryos, your
age, and the cause of infertility.
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