Embryo Transfer: Fresh vs Frozen? Protocols?

Double board certified fertility doctor, Natalie Crawford MD, discusses the embryo transfer. The embryo transfer is the step of IVF where the embryo is placed into the body for implantation. IVF is in vitro fertilization. During this process we stimulate multiple eggs to grow in the body with hormone shots. This process takes around 2 weeks and includes frequent visits for ultrasound monitoring and blood work. Once the eggs reach the mature size, a procedure is performed under anesthesia in which the eggs are extracted from the body in a needle aspiration procedure. The eggs are then combined with sperm in the lab to allow for fertilization. The eggs that are fertilized become embryos and these embryos then grow in culture in the lab for the next 5-6 days to reach the normal implantation stage of the embryo, called a blastocyst. At the blastocyst stage - embryos can be transferred into the body, frozen, or biopsied for genetic testing. Answered in this video:

What is the embryo transfer?

What is the difference in a fresh vs frozen transfer?

What are risks with an embryo transfer?

Who should have a fresh transfer?

What is a frozen embryo transfer?

What are the embryo transfer protocols?

What is a medicated or controlled embryo transfer?

What is a natural or modified natural cycle?

What transfer protocol is the best?

How many embryos should I transfer with IVF?

What type of progesterone should be used I an embryo transfer cycle?