🎉 Join our fertility treatments webinar with Dr. Maddalena Masciocchi on December 12th! Sign up now

Cada Logo

Fertility Treatment

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Experience personalised care and cutting-edge technology at our fertility clinic during your FET. Our compassionate medical experts will guide you every step of the way.

Image
icon-icon-customers-black

No long waiting times

icon-icon-hospital-black

In-house lab

icon-icon-doctor-black

Holistic care

icon-icon-healt-black

Transparent costs

What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) offers a powerful way to expand your family-building options. It allows you to use frozen embryos from a previous IVF or ICSI cycle to achieve pregnancy. This can be done in a medicated cycle or in your natural cycle without any hormones.

At Cada, you have the option to freeze your unused eggs and embryos for future use, giving you the flexibility to plan for another child whenever you're ready.

When is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) performed?

There are several reasons why an FET might be the right choice for you and your partner. Your experts at Cada will work with you to plan the cryocycle and determine the optimal timing for your transfer, ensuring the best possible outcome.

icon

Risk of Overstimulation

If there's a risk of overstimulation, all embryos are frozen and will only be transferred after the ovaries have had time to recover.

icon

Planning for Another Child After IVF/ICSI

If you wish to have another child following a successful IVF or ICSI treatment, you can use embryos from a previous cycle.

icon

No Pregnancy After a Fresh Transfer

If pregnancy does not occur in the initial fresh IVF or ICSI attempt, a FET can provide another opportunity to achieve pregnancy.

Yellow circle graphic

Benefits of FET at Cada

icon

High success rate

Compared to a fresh embryo transfer, a FET has an equally good pregnancy rate of up to 40%.

icon

More comfortable for the woman

A FET is less stressful than a full IVF/ICSI cycle since it doesn't require additional egg retrieval or high doses of hormones.

icon

High survival rate

By utilising rapid freezing techniques (vitrification), we achieve an exceptionally high survival rate for embryos upon thawing.

Image

Step-by-Step FET Treatment Guide

An FET cycle at Cada requires significantly fewer appointments compared to a full IVF or ICSI cycle. The transfer can be done in your natural cycle or gently supported with oestrogen and progesterone. We'll discuss the best approach for you during a personal consultation.

Visit 1

Kick-Off (30 min)

The first step is to arrange a consultation at our clinic. We will clarify any questions about the process and discuss the next steps, including ultrasound appointments and medication if a medicated cycle is planned.

Visit 2

Check-Ins (20 min each)

The preparation differs depending on whether a transfer is planned in the natural cycle or in the assisted cycle. In the natural cycle, an ultrasound and a blood sample are taken around the 12th day of the cycle. In the assisted cycle, you take medication to promote the growth of the uterine lining.

Visit 3

Thawing and Further Development into Embryos (if necessary)

Depending on when the fertilised eggs or embryos were frozen, the transfer takes place 4 days (when frozen at pronuclear stage) or 2-4 hours after thawing (when frozen at blastocyst stage).

Visit 4

Embryo Transfer (30 min)

The embryo is gently and painlessly transferred into your uterus under ultrasound guidance. After the transfer, you’ll have the opportunity to rest. We will then discuss the next steps and any necessary medications to ensure you feel fully supported.

Visit 5

Pregnancy Test

A blood test will determine if you are pregnant approximately 10 to 14 days after the transfer by measuring your hCG level.

Your personalised treatment process in the app

Stay informed and connected with the Cada app. Access your results, manage appointments, and learn more about IVF through helpful videos and articles. You can even reach out to your doctors directly.

check-circle

Real-Time Medical Results

Track your laboratory results and get clear interpretations of your values.

check-circle

Full Transparency

Gain digital access to every stage of your personalised treatment.

check-circle

Expert Support

Reach out to your doctors directly via the app for tailored advice.

check-circle

Data Protection

Your information is secure and treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Yellow circle graphic
Cada App Fertility Test Results

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.

  • icon

    All experts in one place

  • icon

    Peaceful location in Zurich Seefeld

  • icon

    On-site IVF laboratory

Book appointment

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.

What do I need to consider before and after the frozen embryo transfer?

Icon

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise is crucial before the FET. It's essential to avoid nicotine and alcohol as soon as possible. You should take your medication to prepare your uterus exactly as instructed by your doctor.

After the FET, take it easy, but you can continue with your everyday activities as normal. Keep eating a healthy diet and make sure you drink enough fluids. Refrain from sexual intercourse for the first few days to reduce the risk of infection. If the transfer took place during a medicated cycle, remember to continue taking your progesterone daily as prescribed.

What are the chances of success in FET?

Icon

The success rates of a frozen embryo transfer are comparable to those of a fresh transfer, ranging between 30% and 40% per transfer. These rates depend on various factors, including your age, the quality of the embryos, and the condition of your uterine lining.

How much does a FET cost?

Icon

The costs for a frozen embryo transfer are significantly lower than for a complete IVF or ICSI cycle because the most expensive steps, like hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval, have already been completed.

On average, an FET costs about one-third of an IVF cycle. The exact costs vary depending on the clinic and individual requirements, such as the type of medication and the number of ultrasound examinations.

At Cada, the cost of an FET cycle ranges from CHF 2,500 to CHF 2,700, depending on the medication needed. Additionally, one round of FET is included if eggs or embryos needed to be frozen due to the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Which is better: A FET in the natural cycle or with hormones?

Icon

The suitability of a natural FET cycle versus a medicated FET cylce depends on your individual circumstances. Both methods come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In a natural cycle, you need little to no medication, which can be beneficial. However, there is a risk that your cycle may be delayed or you may not ovulate. On the other hand, a hormonally controlled cycle is more predictable, though it requires medication.

How is the thickness of my uterine lining checked?

Icon

The thickness of your uterine lining is assessed through ultrasound scans. Ensuring the uterine lining is sufficiently thick is crucial for embryo implantation, and it should ideally be at least 6 mm for the planned transfer.

How is the optimum time for the transfer determined?

Icon

The optimal time for the transfer is determined based on the development of your uterine lining and your blood values. The hormones LH and oestradiol are measured in the blood, with LH levels rising sharply shortly before ovulation. By monitoring this LH increase, ovulation and the best time for the transfer can be accurately predicted. Oestradiol is also crucial, as it influences the build-up of the uterine lining.

When are the eggs transferred after thawing?

Icon

The timing of egg transfer after thawing depends on whether your eggs were frozen in the pronuclear stage (directly after fertilisation) or as blastocysts (around 5 days after follicular puncture).

Oocytes frozen in the pronuclear stage typically take around 4 days to develop into blastocysts and are then transferred. Frozen blastocysts, on the other hand, can be transferred shortly after thawing.

How many embryos are transferred?

Icon

Typically, one embryo is transferred. At Cada, we transfer only one blastocyst to minimise the risk for both mother and child and to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Can frozen embryos be refrozen?

Icon

Can Cryopreserved Embryos Be Refrozen?

Yes, cryopreserved embryos can be refrozen. When we thaw your fertilised eggs, several blastocysts may develop. Since we typically transfer only one blastocyst, the remaining blastocysts can be refrozen and stored for future use.

How long can embryos be frozen?

Icon

In Switzerland, embryos can be frozen and stored for a maximum of 10 years.

Why do embryos have to be frozen for PGD/PGT?

Icon

When pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD/PGT) is performed, embryos are frozen until the results are available, which can take several days. PGD/PGT involves taking a biopsy of the embryo, where some cells are removed and genetically analysed in the laboratory. To protect the embryo during this period and ensure its development, it is frozen (cryopreserved). This process allows for the selection of genetically healthy embryos. Frozen embryo transfer then enables the best embryo to be transferred at the optimal time, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Warum müssen Embryonen bei einer PID/PGT eingefroren werden?

Icon

Wenn eine Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID/PGT) durchgeführt wird, werden die Embryonen eingefroren, bis die Ergebnisse vorliegen. Das kann mehrere Tage dauern. Die PID/PGT erfordert eine Biopsie des Embryos, bei der einige Zellen entnommen und im Labor genetisch untersucht werden. Um den Embryo in dieser Zeit zu schützen und seine Entwicklung zu gewährleisten, wird er kryokonserviert. Die PID/PGT ermöglicht es, genetisch gesunde Embryonen auszuwählen. Durch den Kryotransfer kann der beste Embryo zum optimalen Zeitpunkt transferiert werden, was die Erfolgschancen erhöht.

Schedule your consultation now

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

Book appointment
Image
Book appointment