Are you planning to undergo a frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedure? This exciting milestone is a crucial step towards your dream of starting or expanding your family. However, it can also be a daunting experience, with many unknowns and questions.
How can you best prepare yourself physically and emotionally for this procedure? What should you bring with you on the day of the transfer?
In this blog, we will guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for a successful FET. From managing your medications to packing your bag, we will cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
What does FET entail?
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a type of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment that involves thawing and transferring a cryopreserved embryo to the uterus. This procedure is typically used to help people who have undergone IVF in the past and have frozen embryos available, or for those who wish to preserve their fertility due to medical interventions such as cancer treatment or gender affirmation surgery.
During a frozen embryo transfer, the embryo is thawed and then placed in the uterus using a catheter. Success rates of FET have an average of 60-65% but are directly linked to factors such as genetic quality. While this procedure helps many women with fertility issues, for women aged 35 and older, the success rate begins to decline .
This procedure is less complex than a traditional IVF cycle because the embryo has already been created and frozen, and there is no need for additional ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval. However, there are still certain preparations that need to be made in order to increase the chances of a successful transfer.
How to prepare for a frozen embryo transfer
If you're planning to undergo a frozen embryo transfer, it's essential to be prepared for the procedure to maximize your chances of success.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a frozen embryo transfer:
Pack a bag
Preparing a bag for the day of the transfer can help you feel more organized and comfortable. Some of the essential items you should pack include:
- Loose-fitting clothing: You want to wear something comfortable, preferably without tight waistbands that can add pressure to your abdomen. It's also a good idea to dress in layers in case you get too hot or too cold.
- Warm socks: Keep your feet warm during the transfer procedure to improve your blood circulation. You can also bring a blanket or a shawl to cover your legs.
- A book or music: To help you relax during the waiting time, bring something that can distract you, such as a book or some music.
- Snacks: After the transfer, you'll need to rest for a while, so it's good to have some light snacks on hand to keep your energy up.
Follow your medication schedule
Once you have determined that FET is right for you, your doctor will prescribe medication to help prepare your uterus for implantation. You must follow the medication schedule precisely as instructed. This may include taking estrogen and progesterone supplements, which can help thicken the uterine lining, creating a more receptive environment for implantation.
Get super hydrated
On the day of your FET, you'll need to come with a full bladder, as this can help improve the visibility during the transfer process. This might sound odd, but by filling the bladder the angle between the uterine cervix and uterine body is straightened, which enables the physician to have a clear view of the uterus.
With this clear view, the physician can effectively guide the catheter into the uterus for the embryo transfer procedure. So be sure to follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding how much water to drink before the transfer.
Get plenty of rest
Rest is crucial before and after the FET procedure. You'll need to avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks and take it easy for the first few days and try not to over-exert yourself before the procedure either. Resting can help ensure the embryo(s) implant correctly, increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy.
A few more tips for post-procedure
Preparation doesn’t necessarily end once the FET is complete. It is also important to give yourself a little tender loving care in the days that follow FET. So we’ve provided a few extra tips to prepare you for post-procedure as well.
- Stay hydrated: It's important to drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover and stay hydrated.
- Follow medication instructions: Be sure to follow your physician's instructions regarding any medication you're taking post-procedure, such as progesterone, to help support implantation.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can have negative effects on fertility, so it's best to avoid them altogether, especially during the two-week waiting period post-transfer.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can also harm fertility, so it's best to quit smoking altogether to optimize your chances of success.
- Get plenty of rest: Getting enough sleep and rest can help reduce stress levels and promote healing.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Preparing for a frozen embryo transfer is a crucial part of the IVF journey, and taking the necessary steps can significantly increase the chances of a successful transfer. From monitoring your diet to managing stress levels, every effort made during the preparation process can make a difference.
Additionally, post-transfer care plays an important role in the success of the procedure. Remember to follow the advice of your healthcare provider, and don't hesitate to seek support from loved ones or a therapist during this emotional time.
While there are no guarantees when it comes to fertility treatments, taking control of what is within our power can help us feel healthy and hopeful. With patience, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, the dream of parenthood can become a reality.
