Natural cycle IVF with frozen embryo explained

An informative article by IVF experts of the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World on the possibility of natural cycle IVF with frozen embryo.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful moments for every couple. But for some it becomes a difficult journey. Fighting infertility and fulfilling parenthood dreams is one of the greatest joys for them. For such couples a natural cycle IVF with Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is usually suggested that combines a natural menstrual cycle with the transfer of a previously frozen embryo. IVF experts of the best IVF centre in Delhi – Gunjan IVF World explains what natural cycle IVF with frozen embryo is through this informative blog article.

What is natural cycle IVF?

“There are many IVF treatment options for couples finding it difficult to conceive naturally. One such is the natural cycle IVF. It is a variation of traditional IVF treatment which does not use hormone stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs. It instead uses the body’s natural ovulation process wherein one or maybe two eggs are allowed to mature,” stated Dr. Gunjan Gupta, well-known gynaecologist Ghaziabad and the Medical Director & Founder of Gunjan IVF World – winner of North India’s best IVF clinic chain by ETHealthWorld for three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 & 2025. Gunjan IVF World has four highly advanced IVF clinics at Indirapuram, Janakpuri, Noida and Meerut.

Understanding the step-by-step process of natural cycle IVF

• Monitoring the natural menstrual cycle: “The first and foremost process involves close monitoring of the natural menstrual cycle. This is usually done through blood tests and ultrasound scans which track hormone levels and the growth of dominant follicle. The objective of these assessments is to tract natural ovulation. In some cases, hCG trigger shots may be administered to time ovulation precisely. This however, is completely optional,” says Dr. Garima Sharma, Centre In-Charge and Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF clinic in Janakpuri.
• Retrieval of eggs: In case a couple is going for a full IVF cycle, the matured egg is extracted just before ovulation. For natural cycle IVF with frozen embryo, this process is not required as a previously formed frozen embryo will be used for the treatment.

Using frozen embryo in a natural IVF cycle

• Right time for transfer: Timing the transfer is really important. The frozen embryo is thawed and then transferred to the uterus at the most favourable time to achieve a successful pregnancy. The ideal time is usually 5-6 days after ovulation, matching the time when a natural embryo would arrive in the uterus.
• Luteal phase support: Sometimes IVF experts might also prescribe progesterone supplements to support the uterine lining, even in a natural cycle.
• Embryo transfer: At this stage, a frozen embryo from a previous IVF cycle is placed inside the uterus using a thin catheter for attaching on the uterine wall.
• Pregnancy test: Post 9-14 days of the embryo transfer, a blood test is usually done to check for pregnancy (measuring hCG levels).

Benefits of a natural cycle IVF with frozen embryo

• Requires the least number of medications, in fact no medications at all.
• Involves lower cost in comparison to other medicated cycles.
• Utilises more natural hormonal environment.
• Leads to lesser risk of side effects or complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Drawbacks of natural cycle

• Low egg yield
• Higher cycle cancellation rate
• Lower success rate per cycle
• No room for embryo selection
• Not ideal for older women or poor responders
• Time-consuming and emotionally draining
• Difficult monitoring

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