Freezing treatments (FER)
FER is an abbreviation for Frozen Embryo Replacement. An embryo is an egg that has been fertilized and is in reality a thawed, previously frozen egg. It is an embryo that has been retrieved and fertilized previously from a so-called "fresh" experiment, i.e. a test tube experiment, and is returned in a later cycle.
Where do the frozen embryos come from?
The frozen embryos that we thaw and put back in a so-called FER treatment are embryos that the couple has previously frozen after a fresh attempt, i.e. a test tube experiment where several eggs have been stimulated to be extracted, fertilized and have developed to the blastocyst stage. This is not a treatment that you can start right away – you must first have gone through a fresh attempt.
How does an FER treatment take place?
In connection with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or microinjection (ICSI) we often get more good embryos than those that are to be transferred. These can be frozen and transferred at a later time, in a later cycle. The advantage of FER is that the woman does not have to go through the entire treatment with stimulation and egg retrieval again. The embryo is transferred into a natural or lightly stimulated cycle and the actual transfer of the thawed embryo is a simple, painless procedure that is over in a few minutes.
The embryos must be returned before the woman is 46 years old. Previously, embryos could be stored for a maximum of 5 years, but with the changes to the Biotechnology Act from July 1, 2020, this time limit will no longer apply. The embryos can only be returned to the couple from which they came.
Do you want to start FER treatment? call us to arrange thawing of the embryos you have frozen. You will find tine confirmation form for download here.
