Frozen Embryo Transfer in Mumbai

A frozen embryo transfer in Mumbai 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.

Most of the time, a frozen embryo transfer in Mumbai takes place when there are “extra” embryos after a conventional IVF cycle. Initially, a “fresh” embryo transfer was 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. At Global IVF Fertility, we strongly believe in the “Freeze All “ approach thanks to our excellent Embryo Freezing Program, led by Goral Gandhi, Founder & Scientific Director, of Global IVF Fertility. She is a pioneer in the field of eggs and embryo freezing in India and has trained over 600 doctors and embryologists in this technique.

You may choose to have a FET-IVF cycle due to the following conditions and circumstances.

1. You Have Cryopreserved Embryos After a Fresh IVF Transfer Failure

During IVF treatment in Mumbai, one or several embryos may result. It is only safe, however, to transfer one or a couple at a time. Most people choose to freeze or cryopreserve their extra embryos.
Let’s say that one embryo transfer doesn’t result in a successful pregnancy. In this case, you have two options: You can do another fresh, full IVF cycle, or you can transfer one or two of your previously cryopreserved embryos. The most cost-effective option would be to transfer one of your previously frozen embryos. This is what many couples will choose to do.

2. You Want to Give Your IVF Conceived Child a Sibling

Cryopreserved embryos can remain on ice indefinitely. In the future, you may decide to do a FET-IVF cycle to give your child a sibling. Your other option would be to do another fresh cycle and not use your cryopreserved embryos. But as previously mentioned, this is a more expensive route.

3. The Embryos Are Being Genetically Screened

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) are assisted reproductive technologies that allow embryos to be screened for specific genetic diseases or defects. This is done by biopsy of the embryo on day three or five post-fertilization, post-egg retrieval. After the biopsy, the embryos are cryopreserved till the genetic results are available.

4. You’re at High Risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome in Fresh Embryo Transfer

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a risk of fertility drugs that can in severe (but rare) cases lead to loss of fertility and even death. If your risk of OHSS appears high before a fresh embryo transfer can take place, it may be canceled and all embryos cryopreserved. This is because pregnancy can exasperate OHSS. It may also take a longer time to recover from OHSS if you’re pregnant. Once you’ve recovered from OHSS, a frozen embryo transfer cycle can be scheduled.

5. You’re Using an Embryo Donor

Some couples choose to donate their unused embryos to another infertile couple. If you decide to use an embryo donor, your cycle will be a frozen embryo transfer.

FET-IVF Procedure: What to Expect?

There are two basic kinds of FET-IVF cycles :

1. Hormonal support cycles, 2. Natural cycles. The most commonly performed FET-IVF cycle is a hormonally supported cycle. This is because the day of transfer is easier to control (making it easier for the fertility and lab) and because hormonal support is needed if there are female ovulatory problems.

Risks of FET – IVF

A frozen embryo transfer cycle has significantly fewer risks than a full IVF cycle. One of the primary risks of IVF (and fertility drugs) is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, you don’t need to worry about OHSS in a FET cycle, since ovarian stimulating drugs aren’t used.
Depending on how many embryos are transferred, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies. Even twin pregnancies come with an increased risk to the mother and babies. Embryo transfer comes with a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. There is also a very small risk of infection.

With cryopreservation, some embryos may not survive the freeze-and-thaw process. With elective frozen embryo transfer in Mumbai, this means you may lose embryos that would have been available if you had done a fresh transfer.