How Does Frozen Embryo Transfer Work?

Your clinic may track ovulation in a natural cycle or use oestrogen to prepare the lining. Once the timing is suitable, progesterone supports the lining and establishes the transfer window. The stored embryo is thawed in the laboratory; the team checks it before proceeding.

During transfer, a soft catheter passes through the cervix into the womb. The embryo is released and the catheter is removed. The procedure is usually brief, but implantation does not happen immediately and transfer does not guarantee pregnancy. A pregnancy test is arranged for the date given by your clinic.

Take oestrogen, progesterone or other prescribed medicines exactly as directed and attend monitoring scans or blood tests. Tell the clinic about missed doses, new medicines, bleeding or illness. After transfer, continue prescribed support until the clinic tells you otherwise; ordinary gentle activity is generally compatible with care, but follow your team's instructions.

Seek urgent medical advice for severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked abdominal swelling. Contact the fertility team about persistent vomiting or significant symptoms, particularly if you recently had ovarian stimulation, because ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can require assessment.

Ask why a natural or medicated cycle is recommended, how the lining and ovulation will be monitored, when progesterone starts, what to do after a missed dose and when to test for pregnancy.