Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — February 2026.
If you’re considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other forms of assisted reproductive technology, you’ll hear the term frozen embryo transfer quite a bit.
To understand frozen embryo transfer, it helps to step back and review what happens during IVF. We’ll talk about what frozen embryo transfer involves, and why someone may choose this option.
Embryo creation and embryo transfer in IVF
During IVF, eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a lab to create embryos. Embryos can also be created from eggs that were previously frozen, thawed, and fertilized.
The goal is to create multiple embryos, but sometimes only one (or none) develops. If embryos form, they may be transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy one of two ways:
- Fresh embryo transfer is done just a few days after creating the embryo. If a fresh transfer is done, the other embryos are often still frozen for future use (if multiple were created).
- Frozen embryo transfer uses an embryo that was created in a prior cycle, frozen, and thawed.
Most embryo transfers in the United States are frozen transfers. Let’s walk through the benefits and what’s involved.
Benefits of frozen embryo transfer
A frozen embryo transfer has several benefits:
- Timing and flexibility: Freezing embryos allows you to transfer the embryo at the optimal time for your uterus and hormones. It’s also helpful if you need to delay the transfer for medical reasons or genetic testing.
- Pregnancy rates: Some studies suggest that frozen embryo transfers may have slightly higher success rates than fresh embryo transfers because the uterine lining is better prepared.
- Multiple attempts: If you have more than one frozen embryo, you can try again without repeating a full IVF cycle. This can be cost-effective and less physically demanding.
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): A frozen embryo transfer allows you to do PGT, which can help select the most appropriate embryo for transfer.
- Single embryo transfer: A single embryo transfer is almost always recommended. This reduces the risk of multiple gestation (twins or more), which promotes a safer and healthier pregnancy and delivery.
- Reduced risk: Frozen embryo transfer reduces the risk of a rare complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- Fertility preservation: People facing medical treatments that affect fertility (like chemotherapy) or who choose to delay family building may have the opportunity to freeze embryos for the future.
How frozen embryo transfer is done
It’s important to follow a healthy lifestyle in the days and weeks leading up to an embryo transfer.
To prepare your uterus, your doctor will recommend either a natural cycle (which doesn’t use medicine) or a programmed cycle (which uses medicine to suppress ovulation and prepares your uterine lining).
The procedure is usually done while you’re awake, and it is fairly quick. The embryo is placed in a special catheter (tube) and guided through the cervix to the uterus, using an ultrasound for accurate placement. After the embryo transfer is complete, you may rest briefly, and then you can go home.
Frozen embryo transfer: what to expect shares more about how to prepare and what it’s like to have the procedure.
Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate
If you’re considering frozen embryo transfer, reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’ll help you:
- Find a reproductive endocrinologist who can provide personalized guidance and care
- Connect with counseling, support groups, or others who’ve been through a similar journey.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.