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
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

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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