When it comes to family planning, there are a variety of options available. In recent years, individuals who wish to get pregnant often consult a fertility clinic about egg freezing and frozen embryo transfer (FET). If you’re unfamiliar with these processes and how they differ, here’s a list of frequently asked questions to provide clarity.

What to Know About Egg Freezing & Frozen Embryo Transfer

What does egg freezing entail?

Egg freezing allows a woman to conserve their ability to get pregnant. Patients typically embrace this method if they’re undergoing a medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, that negatively impacts their fertility. Women can also preserve younger eggs for future use.

How do you prepare for this process?

Your fertility doctor will perform a series of tests and screenings to ensure your ovarian health and confirm you’re free of infectious diseases. Next, the medical team will administer synthetic hormones to stimulate the ovaries into producing multiple eggs. When the egg follicles mature, the doctor will carefully retrieve them while you’re sedated. Once extracted, the unfertilized eggs will be frozen and stored.

How does frozen embryo transfer differ from egg freezing?

Egg freezing is defined by the harvesting and storing of unfertilized eggs for future use. In contrast, FET begins with egg harvesting followed by fertilization in a lab until an embryo develops. The embryo is frozen, and it can be thawed and transferred into the uterus at a later date.

Why choose FET over traditional IVF treatment?

Many individuals elect for frozen embryo transfer instead of traditional IVF to allow for additional preparation and planning. Patients also opt for this method because freezing the eggs before implantation may put less stress on the female body.

If you’re interested in these fertility options, contact the compassionate team at IVF HAWAII in Honolulu. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the team is led by Dr. Benton Chun, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. Call (808) 538-6655 to schedule a consultation, and get more information about your first visit online.