A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a cycle in which the frozen embryos from a previous fresh IVF are thawed and then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.

A frozen embryo transfer, or FET, is a kind of IVF treatment where a cryopreserved embryo created in a full IVF cycle is thawed and transferred to a woman’s uterus. The cryopreserved embryo may be from a woman’s previous conventional IVF cycle.

Most of the time, a frozen embryo transfer takes place when there are “extra” embryos after a conventional IVF cycle. A “fresh” transfer is usually preferred. However, some doctors are recommending elective frozen embryo transfer—also referred to as a “freeze all” approach—where a fresh transfer is not attempted. In this case, all embryos are cryopreserved and transferred in a FET cycle in the next month or so.

Frozen Embryo Transfer FET may also be recommended due to following conditions and circumstances:

a) In case of previous IVF failures
b) Due to OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome)
c) For Genetic Screening to reduce the risk of Genetic Diseases in Offspring’s
d) For Gender Selection (Baby Choice)
e) For Growing Family/Second Baby
f) Any other Medical Condition
g) Endometrial Condition

OHSS is the most common reason for a fresh embryo transfer to be canceled, but there are other possibilities. Your fresh transfer may need to be canceled if you get the flu or another illness after egg retrieval but before transfer. Also, if the endometrial conditions don’t look good on the ultrasound, your doctor may recommend cryopreserving all embryos. At a later date, you can schedule a FET-IVF.