Embryo Freezing and Frozen Embryo Replacement Cycle
Written by: Dr. Mohammed Agdi
We are proud of pregnancy results using frozen-thawed embryos for transfer. We use the most recent freezing method called ‘Vitrification’, which is rapid freezing. Vitrification is known to be far much better than the old method ‘slow freezing’. Its efficiency is measured by the rate of embryo survival after warming and pregnancy rate. We freeze embryos either on day 3 or day 5 after ICSI. The frozen embryos can be stored to few years possessing the same quality and potential to produce pregnancy as fresh embryo transfer.
Once you decide to try achieving pregnancy using your stored frozen embryos. You need to see your physician to review your case and discuss any pre-treatment advice before you proceed for frozen embryo replacement cycle in order to get the maximum chance of getting pregnant. This pre-treatment evaluation is similar to that one in fresh IVF.
Subsequently, you will be asked to call our coordinator on the first day of your period to schedule a clinic visit with ultrasound evaluation of your ovaries and thickness of the lining of your uterus. Once ultrasound findings are normal, you will be prescribed a medication in the form of oral tablet that contains the hormone "Estrogen". The function of this hormone is to enhance the growth of the lining of the uterus. You need to continue using this medication till next visit of ultrasound which will be around 10-12 days after. Once the thickness of the lining of uterus reaches ≥ 8 mm, you will be scheduled for embryo transfer on a specific date. Concurrently, you will be instructed to start using vaginal Progesterone before the date of embryo transfer. Please follow the instructions given to you regarding the oral tablets and vaginal Progesterone which should continue till the date of embryo transfer through pregnancy test and extend to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Additional adjuvant medications should be used at any stage of your treatment based on the protocol designed by your physician.
After embryo transfer, we encourage you to go back to your normal activity and 2 days after you can resume sexual intercourse, hence, there is no evidence this would jeopardize pregnancy outcome. You will continue taking all medication as prescribed to you including; vaginal Progesterone and any additional adjuvant medications as usual.
The earliest pregnancy test can be done is 14 days after the HCG was given. Please call the treatment coordinator to communicate your result of pregnancy test.
If pregnancy occurs, you need to continue on the luteal support medications with the same dose and frequency till 12 weeks or otherwise recommended by your physician. Subsequently, a follow-up visit for pregnancy ultrasound will be arranged.
If pregnancy test is negative, you need to arrange a follow-up visit to see your physician for further discussion of future plan and recommendation.
Informed Consent for the treatment is essential and has to be completed by both husband and wife.
