Fertility Preservation
Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing gives you the freedom to plan your family on your terms. By safely storing your embryos, you maintain excellent chances of a healthy pregnancy when the time is right.
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What is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing is a safe and effective way to store embryos created during IVF or ICSI for future use, giving you greater flexibility and control over when you choose to try for pregnancy. Using advanced freezing techniques, particularly vitrification, embryos can be carefully preserved with excellent chances of success when you’re ready.
For many patients, frozen embryo transfer offers reassurance and choice — whether you’d prefer to plan treatment around personal circumstances or allow your body time to recover after stimulation. In some cases, this approach may even help improve outcomes.
Our recent research (Garratt et al., 2026, in press) suggests that giving the body time to reset before transfer may be beneficial for certain patients.
When the time feels right, your embryos are gently thawed and transferred as part of a frozen embryo transfer cycle. You’ll find a step-by-step guide to the process below, so you know exactly what to expect.
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Is Embryo Freezing Right for You?
Embryo freezing can be a good option if you:
- Have surplus high-quality embryos after IVF or ICSI.
- Have developed complications or severe side effects from ovarian stimulation.
- Need to pause or cancel treatment after egg collection.
- Are facing medical treatments that could affect fertility, such as cancer therapy.
- Want to preserve fertility before gender-affirming treatment or surgery.
- Are planning for future family flexibility and want to take control of timing.
- Are part of a same-sex couple considering intra-partner donation (Reciprocal IVF).
- Need to undergo embryo genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M or PGT-SR), which requires freezing embryos.
Sometimes, circumstances arise during an IVF cycle that make a fresh transfer unsuitable. These can include elevated progesterone levels, the identification of a polyp in the womb, risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, illness or emergency, or a thin or poorly developed endometrial lining.
Benefits of Embryo Freezing
Choosing embryo freezing offers several important advantages:
- High success rates: Modern freezing techniques preserve embryo quality and can improve pregnancy outcomes.
- Flexibility in family planning: Your embryos can be stored safely and used when the time is right for you.
- Preservation of younger, healthier embryos: Freezing early ensures your best-quality embryos are available for future use.
How Does Embryo Freezing Work?
Embryo freezing is a carefully managed process that gives you flexibility and choice in your fertility journey. From creating embryos in the lab to safely freezing and storing them, each step is designed to maximise their quality and preserve your chances of a successful pregnancy when the time is right.
Embryo freezing usually takes place as part of IVF or ICSI treatment. Eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory to create embryos, which are carefully monitored as they develop.
Embryos are carefully assessed in the laboratory to determine which are suitable for freezing. While we select embryos that meet certain quality criteria, embryos of varying quality may be frozen to give you the best possible options for future use.
Selected embryos are frozen using vitrification, a modern fast-freezing technique that protects their quality and viability.
Your frozen embryos are safely stored in liquid nitrogen until you are ready to use them.
When the time is right, an embryo is thawed and transferred to your womb. This is a quick, simple procedure, performed under ultrasound guidance, and works just like a fresh embryo transfer.
A pregnancy test is arranged 12–14 days later. Most patients can return to normal activities shortly afterward. Embryo transfers are carefully timed to match your body’s natural or medicated cycle. To reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, usually only one embryo is transferred at a time. Frozen embryo transfers are considered just as safe as fresh transfers.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Success in Numbers
In 2025, over 3,200 embryos were thawed in our laboratories for frozen embryo transfer, with a 99% survival rate.
On rare occasions, embryos do not survive the thaw and these are usually ones that were of lower quality.
For more information on frozen embryo transfer outcomes, you can visit our FET Success Rates data page.
Embryo Freezing Success Rates
‘We started our IVF process with LWC around a year ago. It felt very daunting and a long road ahead, and the entire team were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. When we were undergoing the egg retreival and transfer, the team were so kind and we felt really looked after. We have now welcomed our little girl and after years of trying, we wouldn't have gotten here without the support and guidance given by LWC. Thank you all!’
Alice Maker
22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘Dr Suraya made our appointment a really enjoyable experience. She made us both feel at ease and was so knowledgeable throughout the scan. Dr Suraya is a real asset to LWC’
Liz Troup
22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘I received excellent care from all the staff at London Women's Clinic, we felt very welcomed as a same sex couple. We are so grateful to have been able to have our wonderful daughter. I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone starting fertility treatment!’
Megan Knox
21 January 2026, LWC Canterbury
‘I've recently completed a round of egg freezing with London Women's Clinic harrow and I couldn't recommend them as a clinic more. Carla and Ana-Maria quite literally held my hand throughout the entire process, making me feel really relaxed and supported. It's made such a stressful experience super positive and if anyone is thinking of using them, I'd absolutely recommend them!’
Brooke Day
19 January 2026, LWC Harrow
‘I undertook Kind IVF, which even though is nurse led as opposed to consultant led, the care, professionalism and knowledge is there. The nurses consult with consultants during your protocol, so the difference really is you see the nurses instead. The medication doses are less and less medication, but this doesn't mean it will be less effective, it is an option worth exploring, as the cost is less and can open the door when more traditional ivf is out of reach. I am currently pregnant having gone through the kind ivf protocol one time.’
APINTOF MEGAN
19 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend Harley street team for looking after us. Absolutely loved your service and care. Thank you London woman's clinic :)’
Anh Nguyen
19 January 2026, LWC Harley Street
‘The team at the Cambridge LWC branch have been incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful throughout our journey, and have been with us through the ups and downs. It's a very safe and inclusive space, and we feel very well cared for. We can't recommend them enough! Sarah and Jacqui’
Sarah Peace
16 January 2026, LWC Cambridge
‘We will be forever grateful to London Women's Clinic Bromley for helping us achieve what once felt impossible -- welcoming our beautiful, healthy baby boy in November 2025. Our IVF journey was emotional, overwhelming at times, and deeply personal, but from the very first appointment we were met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Every step was clearly explained, we were kept fully informed throughout, and there was always someone available to answer our questions or simply reassure us when we needed it most. We never once felt like just another patient -- we felt truly cared for. Dr Malini, Sarah, Nicky (Nikita) and Dom were exceptional and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Their warmth, patience, and genuine kindness made the process so much easier to cope with. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every nurse, embryologist, and member of staff we encountered was wonderful. We honestly cannot recommend London Women's Clinic Bromley enough to anyone struggling with fertility or facing similar challenges. The dedication, empathy, and expertise of this team has changed our lives forever. We hope to take the clinic up on their offer to visit with our little miracle, who we are endlessly thankful they helped bring into this world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy & Sayed ’
Lucy morgan
16 January 2026, LWC Bromley
‘My journey with egg freezing in the LWC has been amazing. I had started consultations with another provider before but didn't feel comfortable there, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to my instinct and went to this clinic! The whole team was so knowledgeable and supportive throughout, but also just lovely. I would recommend the clinic, ESPECIALLY if you are worried about the process and feel emotional, the understanding and support here is way beyond what I was hoping for!!!’
Charlotte M
15 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘My journey with the LWC in London Bridge + Harley Street has been outstanding. The team is so lovely, I felt welcomed and understood from the first to the last call and through every appointment in between. I would recommend it to every friend!’
Charlotte M
15 January 2026, LWC Harley Street
‘Nicki has a beautiful and excellent personality, she was so kind, polite and sweet. I felt so happy after the scan . Bless her. Right woman for the job.’
Steave Oyinloye
15 January 2026, LWC Bromley
‘Nikita was fab - really put me at ease with my scan and able to relax. Feel very supported’
S S
15 January 2026, LWC Bromley
‘Just had my scan with Nikki and she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.’
Lisa
15 January 2026, LWC Bromley
‘Nikita was excellent and mindful during our initial scan/consultation explained everything well.’
james harris
15 January 2026, LWC Bromley
‘Myself and partner have had a lovely experience with LWC Canterbury they are thoughtful and caring. Always made us feel comfort and welcome even through the difficulties that we have faced on our journey, however we will be forever grateful for all they have done and are contiuing to do.’
Natasha Elliott
14 January 2026, LWC Canterbury
‘This was my first fertility treatment, and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to have chosen LWC and to have been treated at the Harrow clinic. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering starting their fertility journey! From the start, I appreciated how transparent the admin team was about all the costs involved at every stage, giving clear ranges when the decision depended on how the treatment would go. I am also extremely grateful for their support in helping with securing financing, even when I decided to move forward at short notice. They took the time to schedule calls to answer my questions, and I truly felt listened to and cared for as a patient. At the Harrow clinic, I experienced an exceptionally caring and positive environment. All the nurses were highly professional while also being incredibly comforting and supportive. I would especially like to thank Ana Maria, who was there throughout the process, offering practical advice based on her own experience, a hug when needed, and making the entire journey feel much more like home. I would also like to thank Carla for her positivity, high energy, and encouragement during difficult moments, and Laura for her empowering and reassuring approach to the injections. Dr Goswami was also outstanding--extremely professional and clear in her advice. She carefully adjusted the treatment to aim for the best possible outcome while prioritising safety and minimising risks. I am also very grateful for the support groups organised by the clinic. Through these, I met incredibly brave and empowered women and couples. Sharing this journey with some of them made the experience far more bearable and positive. Thank you to everyone at the Harrow clinic and LWC for your incredible support!!’
Marina Riabiz
14 January 2026, LWC Harrow
‘We had a very positive experience at this IVF clinic and would highly recommend it. From the very beginning, we felt well supported and looked after throughout the entire journey. A special thank you to Safak, our patient coordinator, who was incredibly helpful and always very quick to respond. We would also like to thank Princess, the receptionist, as well as the Italian receptionist whose name we unfortunately don't remember, for always being kind and welcoming. We are extremely grateful to Dr Suraya, who performed many of our scans and was exceptional throughout the process, and to Dr Rao, who followed our journey step by step with great care, professionalism and attention. Finally, a big thank you to all the nurses, especially Hannah,Ella and Paige, for their support, kindness and professionalism. Overall, we felt very well cared for and supported, and we truly recommend this clinic to anyone considering IVF!’
Alicia Gioia
12 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘The reception staff are amazing nothing is to much trouble. Always answered any queries we had. The whole team were brilliant from our first initial appointment too our very last. They made us feel so comfortable.’
Rachel Powell
12 January 2026, LWC Bristol
‘We don't know where to begin, this place truly is wonderful. So so comforting and welcoming. Every single staff member went above and beyond and really felt like family. We couldn't be more appreciative of everyone who helped us on our way to creat our little one, who is cooking away nicely at 20 weeks. From choosing a sperm donor to my egg collection and then to getting my wife pregnant with the embryos a few months later, it was so stress free and we felt supported every single step of the way. We can't thank all the lovely wonderful ladies at the Brentwood clinic enough for what they have helped us achieve- and of course the amazing people at the Harley street clinic for doing the procedures who were just as welcoming! Thank you all so so much, we can't wait to bring our little man to meet you all when we are ready to try for baby number 2 xxxxx’
molly bannister
9 January 2026, LWC Brentwood
‘Following a seminar I attended at LWC, I arranged a consultation with Dr. Naware who specialises in fertility for women over 40. It was a refreshing experience. Dr. Naware is empathetic, kind and thorough. The follow up from the clinic was excellent, with Safak, Patient Coordinator, providing regular updates.’
A Patel
9 January 2026, LWC London Bridge
‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women's Clinic - Canterbury for their outstanding care and support throughout our IVF journey. Both the Canterbury and Bromley teams surrounded us with genuine kindness, understanding, and constant attention. We always felt listened to and truly cared for, and the level of professionalism was exceptional at every stage. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we had the chance to welcome our beautiful little daughter into the world. We cannot recommend this clinic highly enough.’
Natalia Twardochleb
8 January 2026, LWC Canterbury
‘We can't recommend the London Women's Clinic enough. My partner and I are a same-sex female couple and are currently pregnant with our baby due in July -- after only two attempts. From the moment we chose the London Women's Clinic, the experience was incredible. The Harrow branch in particular felt so welcoming and supportive. Carla Lang, Ana-Maria, Laura Adagbon, and Dr Gill were absolutely amazing -- accommodating, kind, friendly, and genuinely caring. They went above and beyond throughout our entire journey, even responding to emails outside of working hours, which meant so much to us. We had previously completed blood tests and scans at another clinic but didn't feel it was the right fit. The London Women's Clinic didn't push us to repeat everything unnecessarily -- they accepted our previous tests, which really showed that they are not money-driven. On that note, their pricing is also very affordable compared to other clinics. Dr Gill is incredibly thorough and precise, taking so many factors into account when planning treatment, which gave us complete confidence. Our insemination was carried out at the Harley Street London Women's Clinic by Dr Yogita Date, who was equally wonderful. She made us feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely wished us luck during the procedure. Overall, this clinic felt more like family than a medical service. Even now, they continue to check in on us and our pregnancy, which says everything about the level of care they provide. We are beyond grateful and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the London Women's Clinic to anyone starting their fertility journey.’
Maisie Thomas
8 January 2026, LWC Harrow
‘The team at LWC Harley Street have been outstanding. They have supported my wife and I through our IVF journey at every step, keeping us informed and making the entire journey feel seamless. A special thanks to Dr Serra, Nurse Mimi, Vita and the rest of the LWC team that have helped us along the way. We are now 20 weeks into our pregnancy and LWC have continued to follow up to ensure all is well. A big thank you once again and we highly recommend LWC Harley Street to anyone considering IVF.’
Keyur Nakum
29 December 2025, LWC Harley Street
‘Cannot fault the ladies here at all. I felt so so welcome and looked after during the visit and consultation. The nurses were so compassionate and lovely, and I really felt like I was being listened to and understood. Would recommend to anyone looking to start a fertility journey/make some enquiries into their fertility healthxx’
Ellie Brown
19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury
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How much does Embryo Freezing cost?
Understanding the costs involved is an important step when considering embryo freezing. We aim to provide clear, transparent pricing so you know what to expect from the start.
For a full breakdown of costs and what’s included in our treatment plans, please get in touch with our team.
Embryo Freezing Prices
Costs start from
Included in the fee:
- Clinical advice, monitoring scans, egg collection
- Preparation and culture of eggs and sperm
- Embryo cryopreservation
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:
- Sedation
- Medication
- Monitoring blood test
- Blastocyst culture
- HFEA licence fees
- Embryo storage
Exact costs will be discussed after your consultation and once a treatment plan has been confirmed for you. For Embryo Freezing, the average total treatment cost of a single cycle is £7,880 - £8,880.
For Embryo Freezing, the average total treatment cost for your second cycle is £7,680 - £8,680.
For Embryo Freezing, the average total treatment cost for your third cycle is £7,380 - £8,380.
Where We Offer Embryo Freezing Services
Embryo freezing services are available at our conveniently located clinics. Click on a location to find out more about our facilities and how to book a consultation
Tell us your location and we'll show you your nearest clinic.
Nearest clinics
Take the Next Step in Your Fertility Journey
Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the embryo freezing process. Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time or ready to take the next step, we’ll provide personalised advice and support every step of the way.
Contact us
Book a Fertility Health Assessment
Embryo Freezing FAQs
Yes. Risks are comparable to fresh embryos. The main consideration is the risk of multiple pregnancy, which can be reduced by transferring a single embryo (eSET).
The embryo is thawed and placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. Your doctor will prepare the uterine lining based on your natural cycle or with medication if needed.
Yes. You, your partner, or any donors can vary or withdraw consent at any time before use. There may be a cooling-off period of up to a year in some cases.
Why choose London Women’s Clinic?
At London Women’s Clinic, we combine decades of fertility expertise with advanced embryo freezing technology to give you the highest standard of care at every stage of your journey. Our team is committed to helping you feel confident, informed and supported throughout the process.
Upcoming Free Fertility Events
Stay informed about the latest seminars, webinars and workshops on fertility and Embryo Freezing.
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Embryo Freezing Stories, Advice and Research
Insights, Advice & Real Stories on Embryo Freezing and Wellbeing
IVF Equality: Why It Matters and What Needs to Change
London Women’s Clinic has long been a strong, proactive force in inclusive fertility care - welcoming patients from all backgrounds and family structures. As pioneers in LGBTQIA+ fertility since the 1990s, we’ve partnered with DIVA to support the new IVF Equality Manifesto - a call to ensure that fertility care across the UK is fair, inclusive and supportive for all. We understand that no two families are the same.