Blog
Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Understanding Your Options
When undergoing IVF treatment at Omega Imaging & Fertility Centre, Gurugram, one of the most important decisions you’ll make with your fertility specialist is whether to proceed with a fresh embryo transfer or a frozen embryo transfer (FET). Both approaches have revolutionized fertility treatment, but they differ significantly in timing, process, and potential outcomes.
This guide will help you understand the key differences, advantages, and considerations for each option, so you can approach this decision with clarity and confidence.
What Is a Fresh Embryo Transfer?
A fresh transfer occurs shortly after your egg retrieval cycle. After fertilization in the laboratory, embryos are cultured for 3-5 days, and the best-quality embryo is selected for transfer into your uterus—typically within the same menstrual cycle.
Pros of Fresh Embryo Transfer
Faster Path to Pregnancy: No waiting period between retrieval and transfer
Lower Immediate Costs: Avoids costs associated with embryo freezing and storage
Natural Hormone Environment: Utilizes your body’s natural post-retrieval hormonal milieu
Fewer Medications: No need for extensive preparation medications before transfer
Cons of Fresh Embryo Transfer
Risk of OHSS: Can worsen ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high-risk patients
Suboptimal Uterine Environment: High estrogen levels from stimulation may reduce endometrial receptivity
No Time for Genetic Testing: Cannot perform PGT-A (genetic screening) on embryos before transfer
All-or-Nothing Timing: Cycle success depends on perfect synchronization between embryo development and uterine readiness
What Is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
With FET, all embryos created during your IVF cycle are frozen (vitrified) and stored. You then undergo a separate, later cycle specifically to prepare your uterus before thawing and transferring the selected embryo.
Pros of Frozen Embryo Transfer
Better Uterine Environment: Allows your body to recover from stimulation drugs, creating a more natural uterine lining
Reduced OHSS Risk: Eliminates concern about worsening hyperstimulation
Time for Genetic Testing: Enables preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) if desired
Flexible Timing: Transfer can be scheduled when you’re physically and emotionally ready
Cumulative Success: Multiple transfer attempts possible from one retrieval cycle
Potentially Higher Success Rates: Studies show slightly higher implantation and live birth rates in some patient groups
Cons of Frozen Embryo Transfer
Longer Timeline: Requires waiting between retrieval and transfer (typically 4-8 weeks)
Additional Costs: Includes freezing, storage, and medication for endometrial preparation
More Medications: Often requires estrogen and progesterone supplementation
Small Risk to Embryos: While modern vitrification is highly safe, there’s minimal risk during freezing/thawing
Key Factors That Influence the Decision at Omega Fertility Gurugram
Our specialists consider several factors when recommending fresh vs. frozen:
Risk of OHSS: If you’re at high risk, we typically recommend freezing all embryos.
Endometrial Lining Quality: If your lining isn’t optimal during stimulation, FET is advised.
Embryo Quantity & Quality: Multiple good-quality embryos might favor FET for sequential transfers.
Genetic Testing Needs: If PGT is recommended, FET is necessary.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like PCOS often respond better to FET protocols.
Personal Circumstances: Your schedule, emotional readiness, and preferences matter.
Success Rates: Is One Approach Better?
Recent data suggests FET may have slightly higher live birth rates in many cases, particularly for:
Women with PCOS
Those at risk of OHSS
Patients using preimplantation genetic testing
Women with high response to ovarian stimulation
However, fresh transfers remain excellent options for many, especially those with good lining quality and lower stimulation response.
The Omega Fertility Gurugram Approach
At our centre, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We:
Use advanced endometrial receptivity assessment tools
Monitor your response carefully throughout stimulation
Discuss all options transparently with you
Consider your unique medical profile and personal preferences
Employ state-of-the-art vitrification technology for freezing
FAQ's
Recent studies show frozen transfers may have slightly higher success rates for many patients, but this depends on individual factors like age, diagnosis, and embryo quality.
Yes, FET typically costs more due to freezing, storage, and additional medications for uterine preparation.
They can remain frozen for years with excellent survival rates using modern vitrification. Transfers usually occur within 1-3 months but can be years later.
Usually yes—FET often requires estrogen and progesterone supplements to prepare the uterine lining, whereas fresh transfers use your natural post-retrieval hormones.
No, genetic testing (PGT) requires embryos to be frozen while test results are processed, making FET necessary if testing is desired.
Frozen transfer is generally safer for women with PCOS as it reduces the risk of severe OHSS.
Modern vitrification is extremely safe with survival rates over 95% for good-quality embryos at centres like Omega Fertility Gurugram.
Patients with optimal uterine lining during stimulation, low OHSS risk, good embryo quality, and no need for genetic testing.
Yes, if concerns arise (like OHSS risk or poor lining), your doctor may recommend “freeze-all” for later FET instead of fresh transfer.
Depending on how many embryos are frozen, you could have multiple FET attempts from a single retrieval cycle.