Frozen Embryo transfer and cost.

[Mitzy]

Hi,

Could anyone give me an idea as to how much it would cost to do a Frozen Embryo transfer cycle, and what do they actually do?

I am assuming that it will be cheaper than a full IVF cycle, but what is actually involved?

Sorry for all the questions, but we were only going to only have one go at IVF, and after going for my scan today and seeing my follies on the scanner, we have decided it would be a shame not to use any eggs from them.

[fulloffaith]

Hey Mitzy,

I am in the middle of my 1st FET right now.
My clinic charges a total of $2500 US then the meds have cost me around $100-200. It's alot cheaper that's for sure.

My FET is medicated which means dr. has taken over my cycle. When AF came, they put me on birth control pills, then I started Lupron which keeps me from ovulating. I went in for an E2 and sono and then once they said my hormone level was right they started me on Estrace (estrogen). This thickens the uterine lining. I was on that for about 10 days and just went today and said I was good to go - I measured 8.8mm. Have to be at least 8mm. So now - I am going to start progesterone shots in a few days and then my transfer is scheduled next Thursday.
It's been a lot less stressful and a lot less dr. visits which is nice! It's not any quicker - from start to finish it will be around 6 weeks.

Hope this helped!!
Good luck,
Allison

[sophiejane]

Hi Mitzy,
my second go was a frozen et. I was lucky enough to have enough embryos to freeze (about 7) after my first ivf cycle. I maanged to get about 16 eggs, 13 fertilised and about 9 were good grades. After the best two were implanted the rest are frozen (incurs a yearly fee of £200.00 for storing the embryos at the clinic).

I wanted to try a natural (non medicated) cycle so transfered the embryos to the Lister (London). It involved about 4 weeks of travelling to the clinic, having scans and blood tests (to see when I was due to ovulate). Just when i was due to ovulate I was given an injection and embryos transferred. There was the stress of waiting to see whether the embryos thawed ok for transfer. We thawed four to be on the safe side and had two implanted. This meant that two got wasted, but the embryologist assured me that they were not very good quality anyway. They say its about 50% that survive the freezing and thawing process.
The success rate is lower than a full ivf cycle (anywhere between 20-25%). Its basically a bonus go!! It cost about £800.00 i think.
A medicated go costs about £1500.00 at our local clinic. the difference between medicated and non medicated is whther you ovulate each month or not. If you don't then you need to be medicated to ensure that the womb lining etc is conducive to receiving an embryo.
Hope this helps. And good luck with your treatment.
From Sophie

[Kate21]

Hi MItzy,

I had an unmedicated FET in February at Barts. It cost £450 plus the drugs I needed, as it was unmedicated I only needed the progesterone suppositories (which cost £6!!). So it was a lot cheaper than IVF! Don't forget the storage though which at Barts we have to pay for the full 5yrs and then get refunded as and when we use the frosties!

Hope this helps?
Kate