Frozen Embryo Transfer: Process, Success Rates, and Cost in India

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Frozen Embryo Transfer: Process, Success Rates, and Cost in India

Jan 05, 2025

At BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals, we understand that the journey to parenthood can be filled with hope and uncertainty. For many couples undergoing fertility treatments, the concept of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) opens a renewed door of possibility. Whether you are preparing for your first transfer or considering embryo freezing for the future, understanding how FET works, its advantages, and what it costs in India can empower you to make informed, confident decisions.

What Is Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Frozen embryo transfer is an advanced fertility treatment in which a previously frozen embryo created during an earlier IVF cycle is thawed and transferred into the uterus. This technique has revolutionized Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) offering flexibility, better timing, and often higher success rates. Couples who opt for embryo freezing during IVF can preserve embryos for future use. When the time is right, medically, emotionally, or financially, the embryo is thawed and implanted without the need to go through ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval again.

Why Do Couples Choose Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing is recommended in several situations:
  • Medical reasons such as OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) risk or endometrial issues
  • Lifestyle or career planning, offering flexibility in family planning
  • Fertility preservation for individuals undergoing cancer treatments or other health conditions
  • PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), where embryo freezing allows time for chromosomal analysis before transfer
  • Excess good-quality embryos from a fresh IVF cycle that can be used later

How Does the Frozen Embryo Transfer Process Work?

Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect during a frozen embryo transfer cycle:

Initial Consultation and Cycle Planning

Your fertility specialist will evaluate your medical history and decide on the best approach, either a natural or hormone-controlled cycle, based on your menstrual regularity and hormone profile.

Endometrial Preparation

The endometrium (uterine lining) is prepared using hormonal medications or through monitoring of a natural cycle to ensure it is optimal for implantation.

Thawing the Embryo

The frozen embryo is thawed gently in a carefully controlled lab environment. Advanced vitrification techniques ensure high survival rates during the thawing process.

Embryo Transfer Procedure

A thin catheter is used to place the thawed embryo into the uterus. This is a painless daycare procedure that usually does not require anesthesia.

Luteal Phase Support and Pregnancy Test

You will be advised to take progesterone supplements to support implantation. A blood test is done 10–14 days later to check for pregnancy.

Success Rates of Frozen Embryo Transfer in India

One of the most encouraging aspects of frozen embryo transfer is its excellent success rate in India, often comparable to or better than fresh embryo transfers. We use the latest embryo freezing and transfer techniques, ensuring optimal outcomes. Factors influencing FET success include:
  • Embryo quality at the time of freezing
  • Age of the woman at the time of egg retrieval
  • Health of the uterine lining
  • Proper synchronization between embryo stage and endometrial receptivity
Average success rates in India for FET vary between 50% and 70%, depending on the clinic’s expertise, lab standards, and individual patient factors. Our specialized fertility team customizes each cycle, improving the odds with personalized protocols and advanced reproductive technologies.

Cost of Frozen Embryo Transfer in India

The cost of frozen embryo transfer is significantly lower than that of a full IVF cycle, providing a sense of financial security since it skips ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. We offer transparent pricing and customizable packages to suit every couple’s needs. Our team ensures you receive world-class care and emotional and financial clarity throughout your journey.

Benefits of Frozen Embryo Transfer

  • Higher implantation rates when done in a well-prepared endometrial environment
  • Safer for women at risk of OHSS or other complications
  • It is less physically demanding as there is no need for repeated hormone injections
  • Flexible timing for patients recovering from previous IVF or awaiting test results
  • Ethical embryo usage by preserving surplus embryos from a fresh cycle

Why Choose BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals for Your Frozen Embryo Transfer?

At BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals, our Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Centre is a beacon of expertise, combining science, compassion, and advanced technology to support you every step of the way. Our state-of-the-art embryology labs, cryopreservation techniques, and a team of highly experienced fertility specialists ensure that every embryo transfer is conducted with precision and care. We believe that your fertility journey should be guided by clinical excellence and emotional understanding. Whether you are opting for embryo freezing to preserve your fertility or preparing for a transfer, we are here to walk with you with warmth, expertise, and unwavering support.

Talk To Us

Considering a frozen embryo transfer? Speak to our fertility experts today and find out how we can personalize your treatment for the best possible outcome. To schedule an appointment with our expert infertility specialists, call us today or visit our official website.

FAQs:

1. What is a frozen embryo transfer and how is it different from a fresh embryo transfer?

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) involves using embryos that were previously frozen and stored during an earlier IVF cycle. These embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus at a later time. In contrast, a fresh transfer uses embryos immediately after fertilization. FET allows for better timing, endometrial preparation, and often results in comparable or even higher success rates.
2. When should couples consider embryo freezing during IVF?
Embryo freezing is recommended in situations such as excess high-quality embryos from a fresh cycle, risk of OHSS, endometrial issues, or when preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is planned. It is also ideal for those undergoing cancer treatments or delaying pregnancy due to personal or medical reasons.
3. Is frozen embryo transfer safe and does it affect the baby’s health?
Yes, frozen embryo transfer is a safe and well-established procedure. Studies show that babies born from frozen embryos are just as healthy as those from fresh transfers. With improved embryo freezing techniques like vitrification, the survival and success rates are higher, making FET a safe choice for many patients.

Dr. Ratna Durvasula

Consultant Infertility

Rainbow Children's Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

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