What should you know about medicated frozen embryo transfer?

The clinic first uses medication to control or work with your cycle, then gives oestrogen to build the uterine lining. When the lining is ready, progesterone is started and the transfer is scheduled according to the embryo's developmental stage. A thawed embryo is placed through the cervix using a thin catheter. The transfer is usually brief, but the exact medicines, scans, and timing vary between clinics and individual plans.

Progesterone supports the lining after transfer and is often continued until the clinic tells you to stop. Light cramping or spotting can occur, but these symptoms cannot confirm whether implantation has happened.

Use every medicine at the prescribed dose and time, including [micronised progesterone](/materials/micronised-progesterone/). Set reminders and keep a written schedule, because changing a dose or missing progesterone can affect the plan. Tell the clinic about new medicines, allergies, bleeding, illness, or difficulty using a preparation. Attend the scheduled scans and blood tests. After transfer, follow the clinic's activity and testing instructions; ordinary gentle activity is usually compatible with recovery unless your team advises otherwise.

Call your fertility clinic urgently for heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain, fever, fainting, marked abdominal swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing. These symptoms need assessment rather than waiting for the pregnancy test. Contact the clinic promptly if you miss a dose, have a problem with administration, or start bleeding before the test date. Continue prescribed medicines until the clinic gives clear instructions.

Ask why a medicated cycle is recommended, when each medicine starts and stops, what to do after a missed dose, when testing is planned, and which symptoms require same-day advice. Ask how the clinic will communicate the result and what happens next.