FET vs Fresh Embryo Transfer: Which One Is Right for You?

When couples choose IVF Treatment in Kalyani Nagar, one of the key decisions they face is whether to opt for a Fresh Embryo Transfer (ET) or a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). Both approaches are essential parts of modern fertility care and have their own advantages depending on individual health, fertility goals, and medical history. Understanding how each method works and what makes them different can help you and your fertility specialist choose the right path toward parenthood.

What Is Fresh Embryo Transfer (ET)?

In a fresh embryo transfer, the embryo is transferred into the uterus within a few days of egg retrieval and fertilization—typically around day 3 or day 5. Since the embryo is newly created, it doesn’t go through a freezing and thawing process.

How it works:

1. The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs.
2. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory.
3. One or more healthy embryos are transferred to the uterus within the same cycle.

Fresh transfers are often preferred when the uterine environment and hormonal levels are ideal immediately after egg retrieval.

What Is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) involves freezing embryos from a previous IVF cycle and transferring them later. These embryos are cryopreserved through advanced techniques like vitrification, which ensures their quality remains intact.

How it works:

1. The embryos are created and frozen after fertilization.
2. At a later date, the frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus.
3. The uterine lining is prepared using medications or during a natural menstrual cycle.

FET gives more control over timing and allows the body to recover from the hormone stimulation phase before embryo transfer.

Key Differences Between FET and Fresh Embryo Transfer

Aspect	Fresh Embryo Transfer	Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Timing	Done within the same IVF cycle	Done in a later cycle after freezing
Hormone levels	Hormones may still be high post-ovarian stimulation	Allows body to return to natural hormone balance
Uterine environment	May be affected by stimulation drugs	Often more stable and receptive
Flexibility	Less scheduling flexibility	Greater flexibility and planning time
Pregnancy rates	Success rates vary	Studies show equal or sometimes higher success rates
Cost	Usually lower in single cycle	Slightly higher due to freezing and storage costs

Pros and Cons of Fresh Embryo Transfer

Pros:

• Shorter overall treatment timeline.
• No additional freezing or storage steps required.
• Ideal for patients with good endometrial thickness and stable hormone levels.

Cons:

• The body might still be recovering from ovarian stimulation.
• Not suitable for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• If the uterine lining isn’t optimal, success rates may drop.

Pros and Cons of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Pros:

• Gives the body time to heal and restore hormone balance.
• Reduces the risk of OHSS.
• Allows preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before transfer.
• Offers better flexibility for timing and planning.

Cons:

• Additional cost for freezing and storage.
• Slightly longer treatment duration.
• Some embryos may not survive the freezing and thawing process (though rare with modern vitrification).

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between FET and fresh embryo transfer depends on multiple factors — your health condition, age, hormonal response, and fertility goals.

You may be a good candidate for fresh transfer if:

• Your uterine lining looks healthy.
• Hormone levels are normal post-ovulation stimulation.
• You wish to proceed quickly with embryo transfer.

You may benefit more from FET if:

• You are at risk of OHSS.
• You need time for the uterine environment to stabilize.
• You want genetic testing before transfer.
• You prefer more flexibility in scheduling.

Every fertility journey is unique. A personalized consultation with an experienced fertility specialist ensures the best decision for your specific case.

The Role of Expert Guidance

At the clinic of Dr. Archana Salve, a trusted expert in Infertility Treatment in Kalyani Nagar, every couple receives individualized attention and care. With years of experience in IVF Treatment in Kalyani Nagar, Dr. Salve and her team use advanced reproductive technologies and personalized treatment plans to improve success rates and bring families closer to their dream of parenthood.

Final Thoughts

Both Fresh Embryo Transfer and Frozen Embryo Transfer are effective techniques in IVF. The choice ultimately depends on your body’s readiness, medical background, and fertility goals. With expert guidance from specialists like Dr. Archana Salve, couples can make informed decisions and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.