How Long After FET BFP (And Why)?

How Long After FET BFP (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 2 weeks

FET stands for a process known as Fertilized Embryo Transfer. In this medical procedure, an already fertilized embryo from the previous IVF cycle of a woman is used for implantation. This procedure is gaining popularity among those seeking to conceive through the IVF route. Instead of transferring the embryo into the uterus in the same cycle, the fertilized embryo is frozen and transferred in the next cycle.

BFP on the other hand is a common abbreviation by members of the IVF community to refer to the Big Fat Positive. This connotes the positive home pregnancy test that confirms the successful implantation of the embryo in the uterus.  

How Long After FET BFP

How Long After FET BFP?

IVF is a tricky procedure. There can be no sure shot timeframes with the various IVF treatments offered by fertility experts. Moreover, how the body of an individual will respond to the procedures will significantly vary from one patient to another. However, devising a more-or-less accurate framework of waiting for a positive pregnancy test is possible.

Most fertility experts advise their patients that it is prudent to wait for at least 2 weeks after their FET procedures before they can take a home pregnancy test. This is the upper limit that’s mentioned to patients. Most women undergoing fertility treatment are more likely to not abide by this time frame because they are looking forward to the BFP.

The success rate in a majority of women who undergo FET suggests that they get a positive home pregnancy test or secure the coveted BFP within 4 to 5 days of the procedure. However, there is also a significantly high number of women who get their BFP results on home pregnancy tests after the initial 10 days are over.

Some have also stated that their home pregnancy tests never returned positive. It was only after a blood test that their pregnancies were confirmed. Thus, they secured the BFP through a conventional blood test and not through the pregnancy sticks used to determine conception.

Remember to talk to your fertility expert in great detail about the chances of implantation and the correct time to check if you are pregnant. This helps keep unnecessary panic at bay after your FET procedure. This is because each woman’s body will react differently when a fertilized embryo is transferred.

Fertilized Embryo Transfer

In Summary:

CircumstancesWaiting Period
Rapid Implantation4-5 days
Slow Implantation  2 weeks

Why Do You Have To Wait For BFP So Long After FET?

There is a sound rationale behind the fact that women undergoing IVF are asked to wait after the procedure. The benefit of FET procedures is that there is no conventional hCG enhancing drug given to the patient. Thus, false positives- that detect hCG levels as pregnancy indicators- are few.

However, it is important to cognize that the implantation of a frozen embryo takes several days to be successfully achieved. Thus, after the FET procedure, the patient in question will not immediately get back a positive pregnancy test.

In this case, if the patient in question happens to take a pregnancy test, the result will inevitably be negative. This can cause unnecessary panic and heartbreak for the individual. Moreover, this may well be a false negative, since the embryo has not yet had enough time to implant itself in the uterine wall.

Moreover, home pregnancy tests are also sometimes not sensitive enough to effectively register the low levels of hCG augmentation in the patient’s urine. It is especially difficult to register these levels during the early days of one’s pregnancy. It is only after the first 2 weeks of successful implantation that the hCG levels in the urine of the expectant mother are high enough to be registered on the home pregnancy stick and reflect a BFP.

Big Fat Positive

Again, as our bodies function differently because of the unique composition of our internal chemistries, some women’s urine may have high hCG levels even before the first week of implantation is over, while some others may need more than 10 days to show a positive outcome. To shield one’s self from disappointment, it is better to wait until the 14-day mark after a FET procedure to take the test.

Conclusion

Most women undergoing IVF treatment want a positive outcome as soon as the procedures begin. Medical science is progressing at a rapid pace to ensure that this is possible for most such women. FET is a product of this innovation. Here the frozen embryo is transferred in the hopes of higher chances of implantation.

BFP is the most desirable result that these women hope for. Generally, getting a positive outcome on the home pregnancy can take up to 2 weeks of time after the FET is completed. For a majority of women, this happens within 4 to 5 days, but it can also be delayed for up to 14 days.

References

  1. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/16/9/1900/2915889
  2. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article-abstract/23/4/878/622058
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21 thoughts on “How Long After FET BFP (And Why)?”

  1. The success rates provided for implantation timing are very comforting to know for those going through FET. Nice to have some realistic expectations.

    1. I completely agree, Sophie. It’s reassuring to have some general guidelines to go by during this process.

  2. This article provides a balanced view of the waiting period for BFP after FET. It considers different scenarios and helps set realistic expectations.

    1. I agree, Yvonne. It’s essential for patients to have a clear understanding of what to expect during this time.

  3. The information about false negatives and the challenges with pregnancy tests is enlightening. It emphasizes the importance of waiting for the right time to test.

    1. Absolutely, Keeley. Having clarity about the limitations of home pregnancy tests is crucial for managing expectations.

  4. This process seems quite daunting, with so many uncertainties. However, the detailed explanations in this article provide a sense of understanding and preparedness.

    1. I completely agree, Isaac. The in-depth information here does help alleviate some of the anxiety that patients might experience.

  5. This is very informative and helpful to know. I appreciate the thorough explanation of the FET and BFP process, it has cleared up a lot of questions I had in mind.

    1. I couldn’t agree more, Rob. The details provided here are very helpful for anyone considering these procedures.

  6. The careful explanation about why the waiting period is needed makes a lot of sense. It’s comforting to have such logical reasoning provided.

    1. I couldn’t have said it better, Rosie. It’s reassuring to understand the science behind the timelines involved in the FET process.

  7. The article effectively outlines the scientific and emotional aspects of the waiting period. It’s a balanced and insightful piece of content.

    1. I completely agree, Sonia. It’s great to see a comprehensive approach to addressing the concerns associated with the FET procedure.

  8. This article is very well-researched and covers the topic in great detail. It’s eye-opening to realize the complexities involved in the entire FET and BFP concept.

  9. The scientific rationale behind the waiting period is enlightening. Understanding the reasons behind it makes it easier to accept and wait for the BFP results.

    1. Couldn’t have said it better, Samuel. Gaining insights into why the wait is necessary helps manage expectations.

  10. Avatar of Adams Christian
    Adams Christian

    The waiting period after the FET procedure seems quite long and can be nerve-wracking. It would be good if there was a more accurate timeframe for when to expect the BFP.

    1. I understand your concern, Adams. It would definitely be less stressful for patients if they had a more precise timeline for results.

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