What should you know about your first frozen embryo transfer?

A frozen embryo transfer, or FET, uses an embryo that was preserved from an earlier fertility cycle. The clinic prepares the uterine lining in a natural cycle or with medicines, then schedules transfer around the lining and embryo development. Ultrasound and hormone checks may be used to confirm readiness.

During transfer, a clinician guides a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus. The embryo is released, and prescribed hormone support may continue afterwards. The procedure usually involves planning and monitoring rather than ovarian stimulation in the same cycle.

Take medicines at the exact times instructed and tell the clinic about missed doses, bleeding, illness, or new medicines. Keep appointments for scans and blood tests, and confirm the transfer time and whether you need a full bladder. Normal gentle activity is often possible, but follow your clinic's advice about exercise and travel.

After transfer, continue prescribed support until the clinic gives a test result and next instruction. Micronised Progesterone may be part of the support plan. Avoid interpreting early sensations as a reliable sign of pregnancy, because medicines and the procedure can cause similar symptoms.

Contact your fertility clinic for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, or symptoms after a medicine that concern you. Seek urgent help for severe or one-sided pain, faintness, breathlessness, or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling. Keep the clinic informed even if symptoms begin outside appointment hours.

Ask which preparation cycle is planned, how the lining will be checked, when progesterone begins, and how the transfer date is set. Confirm medicine instructions, activity guidance, the pregnancy-test date, and who to contact about bleeding or pain.