Frozen Embryo Transfer

[Dalesgirl16]

My husband and I have an appt in a few weeks to discuss FET. We had seven embryos frozen after PICSI treatment in February 2016, highest quality eggs apparently. I have no idea of what this process involves. Is anyone currently going through it? I had a short protocol last time and was v lucky to conceive first time. I’m now 42 so age isn’t on my side. I’m particularly interested to know how many embryos survive the thawing process. Thanks for any info you can share.

[Bluebell1981]

Hi there, I had a successful fresh ivf cycle in 2013 and was lucky enough to get 10 top-quality frozen blastocysts.

I had my first FET cycle earlier this year but it was unsuccessful unfortunately - no obvious reason why. There is a very high success thaw rate for clinics now - my clinic only thaw one at a time; if first one thaws well they use it, if not they'll then move to a second one (with your consent). Means you're not thawing several needlessly.

I had a medicated FET - involved down reg first, then when bleed started I had a scan to check baseline and started on oestrogen orally. Another scan after 10/14 days (can't remember exactly how long!) confirmed I was ready for transfer so that was scheduled for a few data time and I started on progesterone suppositories alongside oestrogen. Stayed on these after transfer during 2ww and called to clinic for blood test at the end of the 2 weeks.

That's more or less how my cycle went - wasn't too bad physically and I certainly didn't miss the injections that came with ivf!

Feel free to ask me any questions. All the very best for your cycle! X

[Dalesgirl16]

Is down Reg when you take the pill to suppress your ovaries? I did that the first time but can’t remember how long for? Was it a month with FET? Trying to work out how long til a possible conception? Then how long do you have to wait til next try? What if they thaw all seven and nine survive? Have to try IVF again!

[Bluebell1981]

My down reg was by injection and was a couple of weeks til I had my period and started on to Next phase.

I think it would be highly unlikely that none would survive, but yes, in unlikely event that happened you'd need a fresh cycle. I want to wait a few months before going again but think you can fairly quickly after a failed cycle.

Your clinic will be able to answer these questions as they'll have their own protocol and have more precise info with regards to success rates for thawing etc. Just write down any questions as you think of them in advance of your appointment.

[JoJoSM2]

OP, don't worry about your age as he embryos were frozen when you were younger so age doesn't matter now.

Generally, in good clinics over 95% off frozen blasts survive. However, it's worth bearing in mind that 'survival' is when at least 50% of cells survive so not necessarily still as top notch a blast as before.

I've just had a medicated FET too but didn't need downregging. Just took some estradiol pills when my period came and then added in the progesterone pessaries. It was completely nothing compared to a fresh cycle. Before the transfer, I attended the clinic twice although normally it would only be once (my lining wasn't thickening so I needed to up my pills and go back). Overall, the transfer is about 3 weeks after your period starts.

I think you'd need to be extremely unlucky for none of your embryos to survive as it's extremely unlikely to happen.

[MrsSmith88]

I am currently on my 2nd FET (unfortunately the 1st FET and fresh round didn't work 😔)

Mine sounds a lot like Bluebells, down ref for a couple of weeks by injecting suprecur into my thigh, starting on day 21. Endo scratch between days 19-21. Call clinic first day of my cycle again, book in for scans etc until they are ready to transfer (around day 14). So from beginning of down reg to transfer is only about 3 weeks!

I had 5 Frosties and had 2 put back last time, and will be doing 2 again this time.

Like bluebell said, it's highly unlikely even one will not make it through the thawing process, let alone all of them! Try not to worry (easier said than done I know!)

[Dalesgirl16]

Thanks. Hopefully all becomes clearer on our appointment with specialist soon.