Frozen Embryo Replacement (FER)

The main benefit for freezing embryos is that it allows for their transfer in later treatment cycles without the need for ovarian stimulation and egg collection.  Not all embryos survive the freezing and thawing process and the success of this treatment may not be as good as when using your fresh embryos. 

There are different methods of preparation for FER.
The ‘natural method’, which we recommend, relies on the woman’s ability to produce her own egg (ovulate).  This leads to the natural production of the female hormone oestrogen, which in turn thickens the endometrium necessary for implantation.  Ultrasound scans are used to monitor the FER cycle.

The embryos are thawed and replaced into the uterus at the same corresponding stage in the cycle as when they were frozen.