Embryos, Transfer & Aftercare

Frozen embryo transfer (FET): natural vs medicated cycles

Frozen embryo transfer (FET): natural vs medicated cycles

What FET is trying to achieve A frozen embryo transfer is not simply a technical placement of an embryo into the uterus. The central biological goal is synchrony: the embryo’s developmental stage must match the receptivity of the endometrium. In a typical transfer, a day-5 blastocyst is placed when the uterine lining has had the […]

PGT genetic testing: uses, benefits, and risks

PGT genetic testing: uses, benefits, and risks

What is PGT genetic testing? Preimplantation genetic testing is an embryo testing strategy used during IVF. Eggs are retrieved after ovarian stimulation, fertilized in the laboratory, and cultured for several days, often to the blastocyst stage. A small number of cells is then biopsied, usually from the trophectoderm, the cell layer that contributes to the […]

ICSI: when it is used and how it compares to traditional IVF

ICSI: when it is used and how it compares to traditional IVF

What ICSI means within an IVF cycle ICSI is an assisted fertilization technique performed after ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The early parts of the treatment are generally the same as in a standard IVF cycle: medications stimulate the ovaries, eggs are retrieved with a needle-guided procedure, and sperm is collected or retrieved. The main […]

Fresh vs frozen embryo transfer and single vs multiple embryos

Fresh vs frozen embryo transfer and single vs multiple embryos

What happens in fresh and frozen embryo transfer In a fresh embryo transfer, an embryo is transferred into the uterus a few days after egg retrieval, usually at the cleavage stage or blastocyst stage. This means the transfer takes place in the same cycle in which the ovaries were stimulated with fertility medications. For some […]

Egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer in IVF

Egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer in IVF

Where egg retrieval fits in an IVF cycle Egg retrieval occurs after controlled ovarian stimulation, when injectable medications have encouraged multiple follicles to grow. Monitoring with transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests helps the fertility team estimate follicle size, estradiol levels, and the timing of final oocyte maturation. When the lead follicles appear ready, a trigger […]