Question 1

What is the Meaning of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a medical procedure in assisted reproductive technology. A cryopreserved embryo, previously developed via in vitro fertilization, is thawed and placed into a recipient's prepared uterus. This allows optimized timing for implantation, separate from ovarian stimulation.

Question 2

What is the Context of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

This procedure operates within the female reproductive system, targeting the uterus and its endometrial lining. FET is integral to modern IVF protocols, utilizing embryos from a prior cycle. Its success relies on precise hormonal regulation of the uterine environment, ensuring receptivity for the thawed embryo.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

FET holds substantial clinical importance, enhancing patient safety and success in fertility treatments. It minimizes ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk from fresh transfers. It also facilitates preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and allows multiple transfer attempts from a single stimulation cycle.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

The mechanism involves controlled thawing of a vitrified embryo, typically a blastocyst, followed by its precise deposition into the uterine cavity. The recipient's endometrium undergoes meticulous preparation through exogenous estrogen for proliferation and progesterone for secretory changes. This hormonal regimen creates a receptive window, ensuring optimal endometrial synchronicity for implantation.

Question 5

What is the Application of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, FET is widely applied when surplus embryos exist from a fresh IVF cycle, or when a fresh transfer was contraindicated. It is also used following PGT to transfer a euploid embryo. Patients undergo hormone therapy, monitored by ultrasound for endometrial thickness and pattern, and by serum hormone levels, before the transfer.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

The efficacy of Frozen Embryo Transfer is assessed through key metrics including clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates per transfer. Endometrial receptivity is monitored via transvaginal ultrasound for thickness and morphology. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels confirm adequate hormonal support and uterine readiness.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Accepted Answer

While generally safer than fresh transfers, potential risks include failed implantation and a slightly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Hormonal preparation can induce side effects like breast tenderness, bloating, and mood fluctuations. Though rare, the procedure carries minimal risk of uterine infection or bleeding. Multiple gestations remain a risk if more than one embryo is transferred.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

What Are the Regulatory Frameworks for Combining Hormonal Interventions and Assisted Reproduction?