|
| |
Frozen
Embryo Replacement (F.E.R.) as a treatment in infertility
by
Dr.A.Stones-Abbasi
Introduction
Management of a FER treatment cycle
The frozen embryo replacement cycle is relatively non-invasive compared to
an egg collection cycle. The embryos can be replaced either in a natural
cycle or in a controlled cycle depending on whether we can easily monitor
the time of natural ovulation. In a controlled cycle a Prostap injection
(or Synarel nasal spray) and Progynova (oestrogen) tablets are
administered in order to prepare the endometrium for implantation as an
alternative to the natural changes occurring in the endometrium in a
spontaneous ovulatory cycle.
The development of endometrium is monitored by ultrasound scanning
(approximately 4 scans). Either when ovulation has occurred, or when the
endometrium is thick enough, your embryos can be thawed for replacement.
Consent to Thawing
Before the laboratory can thaw any of your embryos, both partners must
sign the Consent form for embryo thawing in the presence of one of our
medical staff.
Thawing your embryos
The laboratory will thaw your embryos so that the stage of the embryos
corresponds to your replacement cycle. The exact timing will depend upon
the stage at which the embryos were frozen.
Not all embryos survive the freezing, storage and thawing process. On the
morning of your embryo transfer, the laboratory will assess your embryos
to see if they are suitable for transfer. If they are, then the embryo
transfer can proceed.
The Embryo Transfer
For this procedure a fine tube (catheter) is passed through the cervix and
the embryos are injected high into the uterus in a minute amount of
culture medium. This technique does not normally require sedation, and is
usually pain-free. The transfer will be made easier if you have a full
bladder when you attend for this procedure.
After the Embryo Transfer
You will be given pessaries of a hormone called progesterone to support
the lining of the uterus and 12 days after your embryo transfer a blood
test (BhCG) is carried out in order to determine whether there is the
earliest evidence of pregnancy.
Professor Craft is one of leading Infertility specialists in the world and
his team have been freezing embryos since 1986 which has resulted in the
birth of many healthy babies. For more information on this and related
topics:
http://www.gedr.com.
| |
|
