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Tag: Fertility

 
Information & Advice

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): What is FET, which day of cycle is it done and what is the process?

What is Frozen Embryo Transfer? (FET)

Frozen Embryo Transfer, or FET for short, is for patients who have already undergone In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection treatment (ICSI). That’s because the process involves using embryos that have previously been cryopreserved (frozen) at the end of a fresh cycle.

What is the process of FET?

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) most commonly involves the use of hormones to try to create an optimal environment within the patient’s uterus to accept an embryo without the need for an egg collection. This means that a previously frozen embryo(s) (fertilised egg(s)) can then be placed into the uterus and develop the same way as it would have done if it had been chosen for fresh transfer.

As part of this process, you may be given hormones to help your uterus accept the embryos. However, if your cycle is regular, a frozen embryo may be placed in the uterus without hormone intervention. At Leicester Fertility Centre, we only offer natural cycles in very rare cases.

On which day of your cycle is Frozen Embryo Transfer done?

Each person is unique, and it means that you could either have a long or short drug protocol prior to transfer. The difference between long or short protocol is in the medications that are used to suppress internal hormones. However, the aspect of stimulating the lining of the uterus is the same for both.

With each cycle, you will have to be monitored and will be given medications to help thicken the lining within the uterus. A transvaginal scan will be booked to ensure this is going to plan and, if it is, you will then be given a date for embryo transfer. Transfers normally happen either on a Tuesday or Thursday at LFC, but cycles can be manipulated to accommodate specific requirements (for example, a transfer under sedation which will require a theatre slot and it’s the same for fresh collection).

In addition, the stage at which your embryos were frozen will also determine when they are thawed and transferred to you.

The embryologist will contact you the day before to confirm how many embryos are to be thawed, as well as giving you the time and date of your transfer. You will then attend the unit for that agreed appointment to have your embryo(s) replaced.

Normally, only the number of embryo(s) required for transfer are thawed. However, some embryos don’t like undergoing the freeze/ thaw process so it may be necessary to thaw more than that. The embryologist will confirm with you at transfer exactly how many had to be thawed and the fate of each embryo.

Should no embryos survive the thawing process, a follow-up appointment will be made with a doctor. This will require you to stop taking any medications you are on while we discuss options with you. This can often come as a shock and our specially-trained counselling team, alongside the rest of Leicester Fertility centre, will be on hand to support you through this time.

How long does it take for the embryo to implant after FET?

Each embryo is unique but implantation normally happens when the embryo is between 7-11 days old; so if it was frozen on day 5 (blastocyst), then it will hopefully implant 2—5 days after transfer.

You will need to continue with medication such as progesterone pessaries or injections for a further two weeks after this. You will also be given a date to test, when you will learn whether the embryo has implanted successfully and whether you have become pregnant and are starting your fertility journey. If you are pregnant, you will be on medication until you are around 12 weeks pregnant.

For a full run-down of the process of FET, what it involves and further information, you can read our patient leaflet here.

How successful are Frozen Embryo Transfers?

Like with any fertility treatment, Frozen Embryo Transfer does not have a 100% success rate. No treatment is guaranteed to result in pregnancy, due to the complex dependencies involved and the uniqueness of every patient or couple.

There are factors that can influence how successful a treatment is likely to be, such as age or the quality of the embryos, but it is always our recommendation to speak with a clinician and explore what the right route of treatment might be for you.

If you’d like to get in touch with our team of fertility experts to explore your options, please do so here.

 
Information & Advice

IVF Fertility Treatment: How much does IVF cost and what does the treatment involve?

When someone mentions fertility treatment, it’s highly likely your first thought will be of IVF. It’s arguably the most well-known method of trying to achieve pregnancy for those experiencing infertility challenges. However, what do you really know about the treatment in terms of what it involves, what happens if you decide to undergo it and how much it costs?

Courtesy of our experts at Leicester Fertility Centre, the information here has been pulled together for anybody curious about IVF, or for those considering it as a treatment option. We hope it helps you to decide whether it’s an avenue you’d like to explore further.

What is IVF treatment?

IVF, otherwise known as In Vitro-Fertilisation, is the process of fertilising eggs outside of the body.

How does IVF get you pregnant?

To start with, the clinic will need to ‘override’ the body’s natural hormone cycle. This will ensure that the ovaries produce more eggs than they would during a natural monthly cycle, with around 10 to 15 eggs compared to one or two. To do so, the ovaries will be stimulated for 10 to 12 days. The eggs will then be taken (under sedation in theatre) and mixed with sperm under carefully controlled conditions. They will then be incubated overnight to allow fertilisation of the eggs by the sperm through binding. This sperm can be provided either by the male partner or a sperm donor.

The hope is that fertilisation will occur. If it does, the patient will be informed and the fertilised eggs will be kept in the incubator until the next day, when they are checked again to ensure the zygotes (fertilised eggs) have divided and formed embryos. These embryos are cultured until the day selected for transfer, which is normally on day three or day five, when they are placed back inside the uterus to achieve a pregnancy.

Usually, only one or two embryos are placed back inside the uterus depending on quality and medical factors. Any surplus embryos of suitable quality may also be frozen at this stage, for potential use in the future.

If you’d like to read more about IVF, you can do so via our leaflet here.

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

ICSI is another treatment option offered by Leicester Fertility Centre and others. It is similar to IVF in that it too involves the stimulation of ovaries to produce eggs. With the ICSI method, however, sperm is injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilisation. This is normally offered for patients who have reduced semen parameters (such as very low density, motility and/or morphology, those with surgically retrieved sperm or those who have previously had low sperm binding or struggled to achieve fertilisation with IVF).

You can read more about ICSI here.

How much does IVF cost?

One of the most common questions among those considering IVF treatment is how much does it cost?

No two fertility centres are the same and no two people are either. Each treatment package will be personalised to the individual, so it is difficult to give an exact cost for IVF. The initial consultation will often dictate the exact pricing of any IVF cost, although drugs packages can vary throughout a cycle.

At Leicester Fertility Centre, we aim to be as transparent as possible with our prices and endeavour to make it easy for you to understand costings, so you know what to expect. That’s why we’ve put together a handy pricing page, showing you the basic average cost of a first-time IVF treatment.

In addition, we have a full price list available here. Leicester Fertility Centre also offers embryo glue and blastocyst culture, time lapse incubation and other innovations at no extra cost.

What is the hardest thing about IVF?

There is not one single aspect of IVF that people find more challenging than another – every couple and their journey is unique, with different external pressures adding to the mix.

However, for many, the emotional and psychological aspects of treatment can be particularly difficult to navigate.

For men, this can take the form of anxiety related to sperm test results, or feelings of helplessness as they watch their partner undergo medical procedures. For both partners, similar feelings can surround the decision to select a sperm donor and in considering who is biologically related to the child.

The physical side-effects of medications and procedures can also take a toll.

Patients and their partners can find the delay between embryo transfer and finding out whether implantation has been successful a time of stress, anxiety and uncertainty. However, the Leicester Fertility Clinic team are always on hand to talk and offer expert support. We also partner with the Fertility Network and other charities able to offer information, tutorials, support groups and other help.

While we all hope that every IVF procedure results in a positive outcome, the reality is that yours may not be successful first time. However, there are often other options available to you, and our team is always happy to advise, assist and talk them through. We will work hard to ensure you feel ready and confident to continue your fertility journey.

If you would like to get in touch with our experts to discuss IVF or other treatment options, you can contact us here.

 
Information & Advice

Looking after your wellbeing: Dealing with stress and anxiety when trying to conceive

Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time. It can prove to be one of the biggest and best decisions of your entire life. However, that isn’t to say it can’t also be a trying period that brings a lot of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, the path to conception isn’t always straightforward. Everyone’s fertility journey is different and that’s okay. But should you be finding it difficult to deal with stress and anxiety whilst trying to conceive, we’ve put together this blog to try and help you out with some handy tips for when you’re trying to conceive.

Understanding anxiety’s impact on your fertility journey

Stress is a natural response to difficult situations. When trying to conceive, the pressure to succeed can bring a lot of heightened emotions. But high levels of stress can affect your body, mind and fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances, disrupted menstrual cycles, and reduced sperm quality. This could potentially make it even more difficult to conceive.

Here at Leicester Fertility Centre, we understand the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies trying for a baby. We don’t want to see anyone struggle, so read on for some tips and strategies to help you manage the stress that comes with trying to conceive.

Acknowledge your feelings

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even disappointed during this journey. Accepting your emotions is the first step in managing them. Allow yourself to feel and express these emotions without judgment. It’s okay to not be okay!

Practice relaxation techniques

Deep breathing and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Setting aside just a few minutes each day for these practices can make a significant difference. It might seem simple, but just taking that extra time to have a moment, ground yourself and breathe can really help clear your mind. If you need some help, there are also some really useful mindfulness apps available that you can download and use to assist with this. Headspace and Calm are two that are quite popular, and can be tailored to your needs.

Prioritise self-care

Prioritise your wellbeing by taking the time to do fun and relaxing self-care activities – these might range from having a professional massage, getting your nails done, trying out some deep breathing relaxation techniques or even just watching your favourite movie! You could even pick out a new hobby to get involved in that you find enjoyable or enrol in a yoga class – combining two of our points! – which could be beneficial in the long run. What is key though, is that you continue to make time to do things that make you happy, as it’s easy to get caught up in trying to conceive. Whilst it is important, you can’t be wholly focused on conceiving, so much so that you forget to look after yourself!

Stay informed – to an extent

Educating yourself about fertility and the conception process can be extremely empowering. It helps you to feel in control and understand better about some of the things that may happen or how you may feel. However, try to avoid information overload, which can increase anxiety. Choose reliable sources and limit your time spent researching.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Aiming for regular exercise (even a gentle walk!) and eating a balanced diet can really help with stress. Physical activity, in particular, is a natural stress reliever and can improve mood. You don’t have to run for miles and miles every night – although you can if it’s something you would enjoy! – but being active and eating the right kinds of food can make you feel better in yourself and could assist with conceiving too.

Create a support system

You aren’t on your own in this journey, no matter your situation. Lean on friends and family, or reach out to support groups who understand what you’re going through, as sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide emotional relief and a sense of community. Or, if you find that you’re experiencing overwhelming anxiety, consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counsellor – especially one who specialises in fertility issues. They will be able to provide coping strategies tailored to your situation and journey. There’s no shame in speaking to anyone about the way you feel – and if it helps you feel better, then it can only be a positive!

We’re here for you

While the journey to parenthood can be stressful, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. By utilising support and taking on board some of these tips to manage your stress and prioritise your well-being, you can create a more positive and balanced experience.

Leicester Fertility Clinic is dedicated to supporting you through every step of this journey. We offer not only medical expertise but also emotional support to help you navigate the complexities of fertility treatment, and our team is always here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with different resources. We have a team available, should you opt to join us on your fertility journey and use one of our treatments, that is more than willing to talk to you and offer you support and help should you need it at any point.

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