Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) in Lahore

In a fresh IVF cycle, an embryo is transferred a few days after egg retrieval. In a frozen embryo transfer, embryos are frozen after they develop, then thawed and transferred in a later cycle, usually one to several months afterwards.

Modern freezing uses vitrification, a rapid process that turns embryos into a glass-like state without damaging ice crystals. Most good-quality embryos survive thawing.

Embryos may be frozen when:

• There are spare good-quality embryos after a fresh transfer
• A high response to stimulation raises the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, so transfer is delayed (a freeze-all strategy)
• The uterine lining is not ready, or hormone levels at the time of retrieval are unfavorable
• Embryos are being biopsied for genetic testing (PGT) and results are awaited
• A woman needs to postpone pregnancy for medical or personal reasons
• A transfer needs to be delayed for an illness or procedure

Natural cycle FET

For women who ovulate regularly. Ovulation is tracked by ultrasound and blood tests, and transfer is timed to your own cycle with little or no medication.

Modified natural cycle

As above, with a trigger injection to time ovulation exactly and progesterone support after transfer.

Hormone replacement (programmed) cycle

Estrogen is given to build the lining, then progesterone is added when it is ready. It is convenient and predictable, and is used when ovulation is irregular.

Some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders, in programmed cycles. Where suitable, Dr. Kamran may therefore prefer a natural or modified natural cycle.

1. Review and planning

Your previous cycle, embryo grades, uterine cavity and any lining problems are reviewed, and the cycle type is chosen.

2. Lining preparation and monitoring

Ultrasound scans check lining thickness and pattern, and sometimes hormone levels are measured, until the uterus is ready.

3. Thawing and transfer

On the day, the embryo is thawed and its survival checked. It is then transferred with a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is brief and usually needs no anesthesia.

4. Hormone support

Progesterone, and sometimes estrogen, continue after transfer until pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out.

5. Pregnancy test

A blood test is usually done around 9 to 14 days after transfer, depending on the age of the embryo.

Frozen transfer may be preferred when there is a risk of hyperstimulation, when PGT is used, when hormone levels at retrieval are unfavorable, or when the lining needs better preparation. A fresh transfer may be reasonable when the response to stimulation is moderate and the lining is receptive.

A frozen transfer also lets you try again after a negative result without repeating stimulation and egg retrieval.

The factors most likely to affect results are:

• The woman's age when the eggs were collected
• Embryo quality, and whether it was frozen at the blastocyst stage
• Uterine receptivity, including lining thickness and any polyps, scarring or fibroids
• Underlying diagnosis, such as endometriosis
• Whether a single embryo is transferred, which reduces the risk of multiple pregnancy

Dr. Kamran will give you an honest estimate based on your embryos and history, not a headline figure.

• Not every embryo survives thawing, though most good-quality ones do
• Estrogen and progesterone can cause bloating, headaches, mood changes and breast tenderness
• Multiple pregnancy if more than one embryo is transferred
• Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, as in any pregnancy
• Possible differences in pregnancy outcomes between cycle types, discussed above

Costs typically include the consultation, medication, monitoring scans, thawing and transfer, and embryo storage fees. Storage terms and consent forms are explained in writing, including what happens if storage lapses.

You will receive an itemized estimate during your consultation. For overall IVF costs, see IVF treatment cost in Pakistan.