Steps of Frozen Embryo Transfer: What to Expect

Your clinic may follow a natural cycle, using ovulation timing, or a medicated cycle that prepares the lining with hormones. Ultrasound and sometimes blood tests help identify the transfer window. Progesterone is often part of the support plan once ovulation has occurred or the lining is ready.

The embryology team warms the selected embryo and checks it before transfer. A clinician passes a soft catheter through the cervix and releases the embryo into the uterus. The transfer does not require egg collection in that cycle. The clinic gives a date for pregnancy testing and explains the next scan if the test is positive.

Use medicines exactly as prescribed and report missed doses, new medicines or unusual symptoms. Attend lining checks and follow instructions about bladder preparation, food and drink. Arrange a calm journey home if you prefer, but strict bed rest is not routinely required unless your clinician gives different advice.

Keep taking prescribed progesterone or other support until the team advises a change. Test on the scheduled day, since an early result can be misleading. Emotional strain is common during the waiting period; ask the clinic what support is available.

Get urgent help for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, fever, breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling. Call the fertility clinic about ongoing pain or bleeding. After a positive test, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness or bleeding needs prompt assessment.

Ask why a natural or medicated cycle is recommended, how the embryo was selected, when medicines begin and end, what to do after a missed dose, and when the pregnancy test and scan will occur. Ask which activities are suitable for you during the waiting period.