What should you know about freezing embryo transfer?

Preparation may use hormone medicines or a cycle in which ovulation is monitored. Micronised Progesterone may be prescribed to support the lining at the appropriate stage. The transfer itself is usually brief, although the catheter can cause pressure or cramping. Not every embryo survives thawing, and the clinic will explain the plan if this occurs.

Take medicines at the scheduled times and attend scans or blood tests used to set the transfer date. Ask which activities, medicines and foods are suitable after the procedure. IVF provides the wider treatment context, including how embryos may have been created and stored. Continue prescribed support until the clinic gives a different instruction.

Mild cramping or light spotting can occur, but contact the clinic for increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge or feeling acutely unwell. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, faintness, chest pain or breathing difficulty. Do not stop prescribed hormones solely because of spotting; ask the fertility team for guidance.

Ask how the lining and ovulation will be monitored, when progesterone starts, what happens if the transfer date changes, and when pregnancy testing is planned. Discuss the number of embryos considered, consent arrangements and the next step for different results.