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Fertility Treatment

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

After IVF or ICSI, frozen embryos can be transferred to the uterus at a later date via FET. The procedure does not require further stimulation or anaesthesia. Our doctors will advise you individually on the optimal timing and procedure.

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No long waiting times

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In-house lab

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Holistic care

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Transparent costs

What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

IVF or ICSI often results in several well-developed embryos. At Cada, we only transfer one embryo per transfer. The remaining embryos can be frozen and stored. If another transfer is necessary or you would like to have another child at a later date, a FET can be performed. This involves thawing the frozen embryo and transferring it to the uterus. The transfer can be performed during the natural cycle or with hormonal support.

Good to know: Genetic testing of the embryos (PGT) before transfer can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

When is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) performed?

There are various reasons why FET may be an option for you and your partner. Our doctors at Cada will help you plan the cryocycle and determine the right time for the transfer.

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Planning for Another Child After IVF/ICSI

If frozen embryos remain after successful IVF or ICSI treatment, they can be used for another child.

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No Pregnancy After a Fresh Transfer

If pregnancy did not occur in the first attempt, FET with the existing embryos offers another chance without repeating the entire treatment cycle.

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Following genetic diagnosis (PGT)

In PGT, the embryos are genetically tested to increase the chances of pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. As the evaluation takes several days, the transfer is then carried out via FET.

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Procedure for a frozen embryo transfer (FET)

A cryotransfer (FET) at Cada involves significantly fewer appointments than a complete fertility treatment (IVF/ICSI). The transfer can be performed during the natural cycle or with hormonal support. We will discuss which procedure is best for you during a personal consultation.

Visit 1

Follow-up discussion

During the appointment, we will clarify all questions regarding the procedure and discuss the next steps, including cycle monitoring and medication, if a supported cycle is planned.

Visit 2

Cycle preparation and monitoring

Depending on the type of cycle, an ultrasound scan and blood test are performed to determine the optimal time for the transfer. In the assisted cycle, the uterine lining is additionally built up using medication.

Visit 3

Embryo transfer

The embryo is thawed and inserted into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is painless and performed on an outpatient basis. Approximately 10 to 14 days later, a blood test is performed to determine whether pregnancy has occurred.

Desire to have children over 40

Why the time factor is crucial

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From the age of 40 onwards, the chances of success for all fertility treatments decrease. This is precisely why it can be advisable to freeze all well-developed embryos. This gives you the option of further attempts via FET and the possibility of having more children.

Genetic diagnosis (PGT) can also increase the chances of pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Related treatments

FET is closely linked to other treatments. Here you can find out more about the procedures involved in creating embryos for cryotransfer.

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In vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

After hormonal stimulation, we retrieve eggs, fertilise them in the laboratory and then transfer the best-developed embryo.

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ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a special form of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in which a sperm cell is injected directly into the egg cell in the laboratory.

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PGT

If medically indicated, we examine the embryos for genetic abnormalities in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Our Location

Our Clinic in Zurich

At the modern Cada Clinic, located directly on Lake Zurich, you'll find fertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI, and social freezing.

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    All experts in one place

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    Peaceful location in Zurich Seefeld

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    On-site IVF laboratory

Free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover answers to the most common queries about FET here. Should your question remain unresolved, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.

How much does a frozen embryo transfer cost at Cada?

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The cost of FET at Cada is CHF 2,750. This is significantly cheaper than a complete IVF or ICSI cycle, as hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval have already taken place beforehand.

What are the chances of success with FET?

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Pregnancy rates with FET are comparable to those of fresh transfers. They depend on various factors, including age, embryo quality and the condition of the uterine lining.

In addition, genetic testing of the embryos (PGT) can increase the chances of pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

How many embryos are transferred?

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At Cada, we only transfer one embryo (blastocyst) per treatment cycle. This minimises the risk to mother and child while offering comparable pregnancy chances.

What do I need to bear in mind before and after the transfer?

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Before the transfer, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and no nicotine or alcohol. After the transfer, you can go about your daily routine as normal. If the transfer took place during a hormone-supported cycle, progesterone must continue to be taken daily.

How long can embryos remain frozen?

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In Switzerland, embryos can currently be frozen and stored for a maximum of 10 years. Swiss politicians are currently discussing extending this period. We expect the regulations to be brought into line with those of many other European countries in the coming years.

Why do embryos have to be frozen during PGT?

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In pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGT), a biopsy of the embryo is performed, and genetic analysis takes several days. During this time, the embryos are frozen to protect them. Once the results are available, the genetically suitable embryo can be transferred at the optimal time via FET.

Schedule your consultation now

During a free initial consultation, we take the time to comprehend your needs and offer informed advice on your available options.

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