When is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Recommended?
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) means transferring an embryo into the uterus that was previously frozen during an earlier IVF cycle. We use this method in many treatment plans It offers flexibility in timing of the embryo transfer procedure and pregnancy. Your Reproductive Endocrinologist may suggest FET in the following cases:
- When the embryo transfer is delayed after IVF: Sometimes, after creating embryos, the transfer is postponed due to medical reasons (uterus is not ready for embryo transfer, or there is a risk of hyperstimulation), or because the timing isn’t right for personal or logistical reasons.
- FET is commonly used when an additional attempt to achieve pregnancy is desired using embryos that remain frozen after a first attempt.
- For egg donation or surrogacy: FET is commonly used when embryos are created using donor eggs or are intended to be carried by a gestational surrogate.
- When embryos undergo genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR): Embryos that go through genetic testing are frozen immediately after biopsy. Genetic analysis of the biopsy requires several days that would delay transfer of a selected embryo beyond the time of your uterine receptivity. Once genetic results are ready, a healthy embryo is selected, thawed and transferred in a separate synchronized FET cycle.
- As part of fertility preservation or planning ahead: If embryos were frozen earlier for example, before cancer treatment or to delay parenthood, FET gives the opportunity to use them when the patient feels that the time isright.
Frozen Embryo Transfer - Step by Step
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Process Overview
Pre-Transfer Evaluation
Your Reproductive Endocrinologist reviews your medical history, previous cycle outcomes, and overall reproductive health. Additional hormone tests or a mock (trial) transfer may be performed to assess the cervix and uterine cavity, which helps in planning the embryo transfer.
Cycle Planning
A personalized treatment plan is created based on your menstrual cycle and individual needs. The timing of medications, monitoring visits, and embryo transfer is carefully coordinated to ensure your uterus is ready to receive the embryo.
Endometrial Preparation
Hormonal therapy is used to prepare the uterine lining for implantation. Estrogen helps the endometrium grow and thicken, while progesterone supports its transformation into a receptive state for embryo attachment. Several ultrasound exams will be used to monitor the uterine response to estrogen.
Embryo Thawing
When the uterus is ready, embryos frozen from a previous IVF cycle are gently thawed in the laboratory using proven techniques. Each thawed embryo is assessed to ensure it has survived the process and is suitable for transfer.
Embryo Transfer
The embryo is gently inserted into the uterus with a thin, flexible catheter with ultrasound confirmation. The procedure is quick, painless, and performed on an outpatient basis, usually allowing you to return to normal activities soon after.
What You Need to Start the Program
Before beginning a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle at Reproart, you must complete certain medical, laboratory, and administrative steps to ensure a smooth process. You may have already completed these if your embryos were fertilized, cultured and cryopreserved here at Reproart.
If embryos were created abroad or at another clinic, we recommend that you have recent medical records available, including details of your previous cycles (if any), embryology reports, and cryostorage documentation showing where and how the embryos are currently stored. In addition, arrangements for embryo shipment and legal transfer documentation should be arranged in advance, ensuring compliance with all transport and consent regulations.
You’ll also need current screening and blood test results, such as infectious disease panels, hormone profiles, and, if necessary, uterine evaluations like ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or hysterosalpingogram. For patients planning to use surrogacy or donor programs, legal agreements and consent forms must be finalized before treatment begins.
Once these preparations are complete, your Reproductive Endocrinologist will create a personalised FET plan, outlining your medication schedule, monitoring appointments, and expected transfer date. Our coordination team will support you through every stage, from reviewing documentation and arranging medication to planning your cycle.
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International Patients: How It Works
If your embryos are stored at Reproart, you can return for transfer whenever the timing is right. First, you should contact us. We’ll help coordinate testing and medication planning while you’re still in your home country, if preferred.
If your embryos were created abroad, our team can assist with the legal and clinical steps needed to ship them to Georgia.
Embryo transfer can be done either into your uterus or into a surrogate, depending on the program.
We recommend booking a pre-consultation with your personal program manager to explore your options and plan the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We know that fertility care often brings up many questions and that every journey is different. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.
How long does a typical FET cycle take?
A typical FET cycle takes about 3 weeks from the start of medication to embryo transfer.
Can embryos created abroad be used at Reproart?
Yes. If your embryos were created in another country, our team can assist with the legal and clinical coordination needed to ship them safely to us in Georgia and prepare for FET here.
Can a surrogate carry my frozen embryo?
Yes. If needed, your frozen embryo can be transferred into a gestational surrogate in Georgia. Your personal program manager will help guide you through this option following all legal and medical protocols.
