4.5

Fertility Treatments

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

If embryos remain after your IVF cycle, freezing them gives you the opportunity to use them in a future transfer - a safe and well-established option that maximises the chances of success from your treatment.

What is Frozen Embryo Transfer?

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is the process of thawing embryos created during a previous IVF cycle and transferring them into the uterus in a later cycle.

Thanks to modern freezing techniques, embryos can be safely stored and transferred after the patient's body has recovered from the stimulation phase. This approach may improve success rates* and typically involves transferring a single embryo, which helps minimise the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Freezing embryos has become an essential component of IVF programmes worldwide. Studies show that transferring frozen embryos in non-stimulated cycles often leads to similar and, in some cases, better outcomes than fresh transfers immediately after egg collection.

Garratt et al., 2025

Is frozen embryo transfer right for me?

Who can benefit from Frozen Embryo Transfer?

  • Patients with embryos frozen from a previous IVF cycle
  • Couples wanting to optimise their chance of conceiving from a single stimulation cycle while reducing the risks of a multiple pregnancy
  • Patients seeking to delay transfer for personal, medical, or timing reasons
  • Individuals returning for a sibling IVF attempt using stored embryos
  • Patients at high risk of developing side effects after a fresh embryo transfer

Our Step-by-Step Approach

How does Frozen Embryo Transfer work?

The process is straightforward and closely monitored, with our clinical and laboratory teams working together to support the best possible conditions for implantation. Here’s what you can expect at each stage of the frozen embryo transfer timeline.

Step 1

The embryo transfer can be scheduled during a natural menstrual cycle or a hormonally prepared cycle, depending on your individual circumstances.

Step 2

The selected embryo is carefully thawed using modern laboratory techniques by an expert embryologist in the lab.

Step 3

Using a thin catheter guided by ultrasound, the embryo is gently placed into the uterus by the doctor. The procedure is straightforward and generally causes minimal discomfort.

Step 4

You can usually return to normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days.

Step 5

This is usually 12–14 days after transfer to confirm implantation.

Spare embryos

Embryos of good quality not used for fresh transfer after the ovarian stimulation phase of IVF can be frozen for future attempts. Embryos can be stored for up to 55 years, with patients required to renew or confirm storage every 10 years. This ensures their viability while giving patients flexibility in planning their family.

Frozen Embryo Transfer Success in Numbers

Over 7,600 babies born from Frozen Embryo Transfers

We’re proud of the outcomes we achieve for our patients through Frozen Embryo Transfer treatments.

Advances in freezing techniques have steadily improved success rates. FETs can achieve pregnancy rates equal to fresh transfers, and in some specific patient groups, they are associated with even higher live birth rates.*

To explore our success rates in more detail, visit our Success Rates page.

SINCE 2004, WE HAVE:

  • Completed over 23,000 Frozen Embryo Transfers**
  • Welcomed over 7,600 babies

These results demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of modern FET treatments, giving patients the flexibility to plan their family-building journey with confidence.

*Garratt et al., 2025. **FETs from all treatment cycles performed at London Women's Clinic.

How much does Frozen Embryo Transfer Cost?

Pricing can vary depending on the number of embryos, cycle type (natural or medicated) and any additional services you may need.

Additional services such as using donated embryos, cycle monitoring blood tests, PGT-a for each embryo and genetic counselling session, biopsy in preparation for PGT-a, medication are available at an extra cost and can be discussed with our team when planning your treatment.

For a full breakdown of costs and packages, please contact our team.

Frozen Embryo Transfer Prices

Costs start from

Included in the fee:

  • Clinical advice, monitoring scans
  • Embryo thaw, EmbryoGlue
  • Embryo transfer
  • One βhCG pregnancy blood test, one viability pregnancy scan or review consultation in the event of a negative outcome

In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:

  • Medication
  • Monitoring blood tests
  • HFEA licence fees

Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For Frozen Embryo Transfer the average total treatment cost is £3,210 - £3,610

Included in the fee:

  • Matching, chromosome and sexual health screening for the embryo donors, donated embryo
  • Clinical advice, monitoring scans
  • Embryo thaw, EmbryoGlue
  • Embryo transfer
  • One βhCG pregnancy blood test, one viability pregnancy scan or review consultation in the event of a negative outcome
  • In addition to your main procedure fee, there are some additional costs you will need to be aware of when planning your treatment. Additonal costs may include:

    • Medication
    • Monitoring blood tests
    • HFEA licence fees
‘I had an absolutely amazing experience at LWC from start to finish! There are literally no wait times so we were able to get started pretty much straight away after consultation. The process was seamless, with a lot of flexibility if you need to change appt time. Nurses are amazing and so supportive. Special shout out to Kate and Chris who were so kind and made the whole experience so much better. Also the nurses on the ward were absolutely amazing but I can’t remember their names. I’m now discharged as I’m pregnant from my first try! However I will look forward to returning in the future for my second embryo which is currently frozen 😊’

Kathryn Jessica

27 October 2026, LWC Bromley

‘We we under the care of Canterbury LWC for all scans and blood tests and Bromley for egg collection and transfers. The team and Canterbury were particularly amazing, so supportive and reassuring throughout. No question was ever too much, they treated you as individuals and were caring and compassionate throughout the process. The receptionist were lovely, knew you from the offset by name, remembered you which makes a difficult process so much easier when you are treated as an individual. We were NHS funded and I never felt we were treated any different to private patients. The nursing staff at Bromley were also brilliant, I always felt so looked after through some really tough and emotional procedures. We were under the care of Dr Uppal who was excellent, explained everything clearly, gave us options and listened to our concerns. Would highly recommend. Currently 26 weeks pregnant ☺️’

Rose S

25 October 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women’s Clinic, Harrow, for helping make our dream of becoming parents come true. We are now blessed with a beautiful baby! A special thank you to Dr Gill for the care, guidance and support throughout our IVF journey, and to Carla and Maria for making the entire process smooth and reassuring. We had a wonderful experience and will always be thankful to the whole team. Highly recommend! ❤️’

P S

23 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘LWC are fantastically supportive at every stage of your journey. They try to be as flexible as possible with appointments, giving good advice about supporting yourself (and partners) as you prepare for different procedures. It is a tough journey but Louise, Rute, Dr Arthi, Trianni, Dr Bishista and Ashley are incredibly supportive. Highly recommend them to anyone considering or needing fertility support.’

S W

23 October 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘I honestly cannot fault Kind IVF. From start to finish, I have been so incredibly impressed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by the entire team. Going through IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey, but they have made the whole experience feel so much more reassuring and positive. Every step of the way, I have felt cared for, listened to and supported. The team have been amazing at answering questions, putting my mind at ease and making sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. You can really tell how much they care about their patients, and that makes such a huge difference during a journey that can be so personal and emotional. I am so grateful to everyone at Kind IVF for everything they have done for us. Choosing them has been one of the best decisions we have made, and I genuinely couldn’t recommend them enough to anyone considering IVF. The standard of care has been outstanding, and I cannot thank them enough for helping us on this journey. ❤️ Thank you, Kind IVF, for being so amazing!’

Georgia Burt

22 October 2026, LWC Tunbridge Wells

‘I highly recommend the London Women's Clinic Brentwood. The staff were very supportive, patient, and always available to answer questions. They guided me through an emotional process with clear explanations and genuine care. The staff were always available and happy to help.’

S Begum

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Choosing an IVF clinic is such a big decision and I'm so incredibly glad that we chose this one. IVF can be such an emotional and overwhelming journey but having a clinic that offers so much support and genuinely cares for you makes such a difference. The care and kindness that we have received has been exceptional. We can't thank LWC Brentwood enough ❤️’

Laura Keary

21 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic enough for helping me achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a mum. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the team were absolutely fantastic and supported me every step of the way. Their kindness, care and reassurance made such a difference during what was a really emotional and challenging time. I always felt supported and in safe hands. A special thank you to Carla, Ana-Maria and Dr Goswami. You have all been absolutely fantastic and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. I’ll never forget the support and care you have shown me during such an important and emotional journey. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve something I have wanted for as long as I can remember. It means more to me than words can say. I would recommend London Women’s Clinic to anyone going through their own fertility journey.’

Sarah

21 October 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We started our treatment in July, and I have had a very positive experience with this clinic. Lorraine on reception especially made me feel like nothing was too much trouble and always knew me by name which is such a nice personal touch, especially at such a sensitive time. Along with Dr Safwat Ashour he always recommended the best treatment for us and just had such a kind caring attitude towards us while explaining our options and being very honest with us too. One of the nurses (so sorry I can’t remember your name) she only recently started in July and I felt so at home with her and cared for. To finish off we are currently pregnant with our IVF miracle all thanks you this clinic. Thank you all so much, no thanks would ever be enough for the gift you have given us!’

Sophie Jay

21 October 2026, LWC Darlington

‘Very professional and very welcoming, and very clean I was given time to feel relaxed and I didn't feel like I had to rush this made me feel very comfortable.’

Ryan Harmer

21 October 2026, LWC Brighton

‘My wife and I have had a brilliant experience with LWC throughout our fertility journey. We always felt listened to, supported, and in control of the decisions we were making. Our PCC Suzanna, Dr Verstraete, and the nursing team were consistently friendly, responsive, and knowledgeable, which made navigating the shared motherhood process feel so much easier. We’re incredibly grateful for the care and support we received.’

Megan Nelkon

20 October 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘I’ve had a great experience with the clinic so far. From the very beginning, I’ve felt incredibly well cared for and supported throughout my egg freezing journey. Daenira on reception is always so lovely, welcoming and helpful, and Liv, my nurse, has been fantastic! She’s made me feel comfortable, reassured and well looked after at every step. Dr Wade has also been absolutely brilliant and I have complete confidence in the care and guidance I’ve received. I would highly recommend this clinic to anybody considering egg freezing.’

Saffy

20 October 2026, LWC Oxford

‘The most amazing experience with the clinic from start to end Nothing is to much for them They will answer every Question Worry or concern no matter how big or small, My experience and care they have shown in one of the hardest times and most worrying experiences they were there every single step of the way, I honestly couldn’t thank every member I’ve dealt with anymore and would recommend this clinic to anyone thinking about it , hardest decision but best decision every made and all the staff here made this possible for me you are all amazing caring people And I thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏🏼🩷’

Stephanie

18 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘I truly feel blessed and thankful to God that we are in such a wonderful place and in such caring hands during one of the most precious journeys of our lives. The clinic has been outstanding throughout my treatment, making the entire journey feel as smooth as possible. The whole team at the Brentwood clinic is absolutely amazing, everyone is so warm, welcoming and supportive. The treatment has been incredible so far, and we are extremely satisfied with the care, support, and overall service we have received throughout our journey. Fingers crossed, I truly believe that the best news is just around the corner! ❤️🤞 I would wholeheartedly recommend Brentwood clinic for the care and support they provide in parenthood journey.’

Harika

14 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘London Women’s Clinic, Reading were fantastic and Nurse Nicky was such a supportive and reassuring professional. Thank you for journeying with me Nicky!’

Sope Adekola

14 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘Where to start… Fertility treatment is the last thing any of us expect to need. But if you find yourself on this journey, Brentwood London Women’s Clinic is where you want to be. Carina’s warm welcome sets the tone the moment you arrive, and every single nurse is wonderful, kind, calm, and reassuring. It’s a complicated and sometimes difficult road, but they walk it beside you. We’ve experienced both joy and heartache here, and through every moment we’ve felt cared for and supported. They truly get to know you, and the care feels personal and bespoke. Today we have our precious 3-year-old, and we will forever be thankful to this amazing team. They are everything you could hope for kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely there for you. We couldn’t recommend them more.’

Sarah Tidey

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘We honestly can’t thank London Women’s Clinic in Brentwood enough for everything they have done and continue to do for us. They helped us create our now 3 year old, and we are incredibly grateful to be back with them on our journey to hopefully have another little one. Angela and Katie are truly incredible nurses. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, listened to and supported every step of the way. They take the time to explain the process, answer any questions and put your mind at ease, making what can sometimes be an overwhelming and emotional journey feel that little bit easier. It means so much to be cared for by people who genuinely seem to care about you and your family, rather than just seeing you as another patient. Their kindness, compassion and reassurance make such a difference, and we feel very lucky to have them supporting us again. We will always be grateful to London Women’s Clinic for helping us bring our little girl into the world, and we have every hope that they will help us grow our family once more. We couldn’t recommend the team highly enough. Thank you, Angela, Katie and everyone at the Brentwood clinic, for being such a special part of our journey. ❤️ Also a special mention for the smiley face in the reception. Carina, you are great!!’

bethan philp

13 October 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Came here after my treatment at LWC Darlington as I needed to be part of the failed implantation team. The care and communication was second to none. It was everything and more, no question to my coordinator was never too much. They were extremely accommodating when I had to travel from up north multiple times and were always happy to let me have my then 2 year old son come to monitoring appointments. I’m grateful for their expertise in failed implantation as my 3rd egg collection was successful and my fresh transfer worked first time & I’ve just gave birth to my second LWC baby in September 2026. Would always recommend LWC - especially London Bridge / Harley Street.’

Jeni J

13 October 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Great experience. Very kind and supportive.’

Jesylin Luka

12 October 2026, LWC Reading

‘My experience with London Women's Clinic Brighton has been wonderful so far. The staff are kind and patient, as well as exceptionally knowledgeable. I have had all my questions answered (and have been encouraged to ask more whenever!), and I feel assured that I'm receiving transparent, evidence-based advice.’

Jess Smith

12 October 2026, LWC Brighton

4.5

FAQs about Frozen Embryo Transfer

No. Embryos are stored at extremely low temperatures (-196°C) and maintain their quality regardless of storage duration. Many patients safely use embryos years later without any effect on success rates.

Yes. Stored embryos from donor IVF or previous cycles can be used in FET for inclusive family planning.

The procedure is minimally invasive, similar to a smear test and most patients experience little or no discomfort.

No. Embryos maintain viability regardless of storage length when frozen using modern techniques.

FET can often be scheduled in the next natural cycle or after hormonal preparation, depending on patient readiness.

Ready to take the first step?

Speak with someone in our team today to discuss whether FET is the right treatment for you. Our specialists will create a personalised plan tailored to your medical history and family goals.

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