Part 1: My Journey to a Successful Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and I’m certainly no expert. But as a woman who’s walked the fertility path, I did as much research as I could, asked questions, and tried many things to give my body the best shot at a successful Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). This post is a breakdown of what worked for me, and I’m sharing it in the hopes that it might help someone else on their fertility journey. 🤍
If you’re preparing for an FET, you’ve probably heard about the basic steps—hormone shots, medications, timing, etc. But in this post, I wanted to dive deeper into the additional steps I took to optimize my chances. Here’s Part 1 of the things I did leading up to my transfer:
1. Acupuncture: The Secret Weapon for Fertility
Acupuncture was a game-changer for me. I started acupuncture twice a week at @tworiversacupuncture about two months before my FET and continued once a week until I was safely in my first trimester. The power of Chinese medicine (which is often underrated in the U.S.) cannot be overstated.
There’s actual scientific evidence linking acupuncture to higher success rates for embryo transfers. Acupuncture works by improving blood flow to the uterus, balancing hormones, and reducing stress—all of which are crucial for a successful transfer. It became one of the most peaceful and grounding parts of my fertility routine. I swear by it and can’t recommend it enough.
2. Full Hormone Blood Panel with a Holistic Hormone Doctor
I went beyond the basic fertility tests. While my fertility clinic ran the necessary tests, I worked with a holistic hormone doctor who conducted a deeper analysis of my hormone levels. Regular doctors don’t always check for the finer details, but my holistic doctor ordered a full hormone panel, checking important factors like Vitamin D and thyroid levels—both critical for fertility.
Did you know that low Vitamin D levels can affect your ability to conceive? Or that thyroid imbalances can disrupt your entire reproductive system? These things matter, and working with a doctor who understands the full scope of your health is incredibly valuable.
3. Beet Juice: The Blood Flow Booster
Yes, you read that right—beet juice became my best friend during this journey. I drank 300ml of freshly squeezed, slow-pressed beet juice every single day for two months leading up to my FET. And I didn’t stop there; I kept drinking it through my two-week wait (TWW) to support implantation.
Why beet juice? It’s simple: beet juice is packed with nitrates that improve blood circulation, which is especially helpful for fertility. A well-oxygenated uterus creates an ideal environment for embryo implantation. Plus, beet juice is full of other health benefits too!
4. Uterus Lining: Thickness Matters for Implantation
A healthy and thick uterine lining is critical for a successful FET. I wasn’t willing to move forward with the transfer unless my lining was at least 10mm thick. Some fertility clinics might say that 7mm is sufficient, but for me, 10mm was non-negotiable.
Acupuncture and beet juice were pivotal in helping me achieve the optimal thickness for implantation. Don’t let anyone tell you that a thinner lining is okay—thicker is better when it comes to your uterine lining!
5. Hydration: Water, Water, Water 💦
Hydration played an enormous role in my fertility preparation. I made it a priority to drink at least 1.5L of mineral water every day. Proper hydration is essential for many bodily functions, but it’s especially important during fertility treatments. Staying hydrated can improve the thickness and quality of your uterine lining, creating a better environment for embryo implantation.
And no, I didn’t drink anything else during this time. Besides my 300ml of beet juice, water was my only beverage. It was simple but effective.
The Bottom Line
These are just the steps I took in preparation for my Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). I truly believe they made a difference, but every person’s body is different. I recommend doing your own research, consulting with your fertility team, and figuring out what will work best for you.
If you’re preparing for an FET, I hope my experience provides some guidance, even if it’s just a little. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share what I did during the actual transfer and the two-week wait! 🤞
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