Frozen Embryo Transfer Treatment at a Private Fertility Clinic in London
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What is Frozen Embryo Transfer Treatment?
A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is a fertility treatment that allows you to attempt pregnancy using embryos that have been previously frozen and stored.
Embryos are typically frozen following an IVF or ICSI cycle, either because they were not used during a fresh transfer or as part of a planned freeze-all strategy where all embryos are frozen for use in a later cycle. Embryos created from frozen eggs may also be used.
During a FET cycle, one of your stored embryos is thawed and transferred into your uterus at the optimal point in your cycle, either naturally or with the support of hormone medication.
Who is Frozen Embryo Transfer Suitable For?
FET may be the right next step if you:
- Have embryos stored from a previous IVF or ICSI cycle
- Have embryos stored at another clinic and would like to transfer your care to IVF Matters
If you are unsure whether FET is right for you, book a free advisory call to speak to a member of our team.
What Happens During Frozen Embryo Transfer?
During a FET cycle, one of your stored embryos is thawed and transferred into your uterus at a point in your menstrual cycle that best supports implantation. The transfer can be carried out in two ways: in a medicated cycle, where hormones are used to prepare the lining of your uterus (endometrium), or in a natural cycle, where your body's own cycle is monitored and used to time the transfer.
Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.
Step-By-Step Guide to FET
Here’s what you can expect when you choose IVF Matters for your FET journey:
Initial consultation
You will meet Dr Irfana Koita to discuss your medical history, review your stored embryos, and agree on a personalised treatment plan based on whether a natural or medicated cycle is most suitable for you.
Uterine preparation
Depending on your treatment plan, you will either follow your natural cycle or take hormone medication to prepare the lining of your uterus. You will have a small number of ultrasound scans to monitor your progress and confirm when your uterus is ready for the transfer.
Embryo thawing and transfer
On the day of your transfer, your embryo is carefully thawed and assessed by our embryologists. It is then placed into your uterus using a fine, soft catheter guided by ultrasound. This procedure does not require anaesthesia and is generally well tolerated.
Aftercare and pregnancy test
After the transfer, you can return home and resume light daily activity, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. A pregnancy test is typically carried out 10 days after the transfer, and our team remains available to support you during this time.
FET Success Rates at IVF Matters
Success rates from frozen embryo transfer have improved significantly in recent years, thanks to advances in embryo freezing techniques, particularly vitrification (rapid freezing), which is the method we use at IVF Matters.
The length of time embryos have been in storage does not affect their quality or viability. Embryos are stored at temperatures close to -196°C and do not deteriorate during storage.
Our Results: At IVF Matters, our live birth rate is 50%, compared to the national average of 33%.
Meet Dr Irfana Koita – Frozen Embryo Transfer Specialist
At IVF Matters, Dr Irfana Koita provides personalised frozen embryo transfer (FET) care in London, taking time to understand your unique fertility journey. Her one-to-one approach is at the heart of our clinic.
Dr Koita is an FRCOG (Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) with over 20 years of experience in IVF and fertility treatments. She trained in assisted conception at King's College Hospital, London, and holds a Master's in Healthcare Leadership from Cornell University.
She delivers evidence-based guidance, tailored treatment, and compassionate support every step of the way.
Do You Have Embryos in Storage at Another Clinic? We Can Take Over Your Care
We regularly welcome patients who have embryos stored elsewhere and would like to continue their treatment with us. Whether you have moved, changed clinics, or simply want a fresh approach, we can arrange for your embryos to be transferred to IVF Matters’ HFEA-licensed storage facilities.
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Take the Next Step
If you would like to find out more about frozen embryo transfer or any of our other fertility treatments, get in touch with our team today.
We offer free 30-minute advisory consultations to anyone looking to explore their fertility options. This free call is the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have and gain confidence in making the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About FET
There are two cycle options for FET, and your doctor will recommend the most appropriate one based on your individual circumstances.
In a natural cycle FET, your uterine lining will thicken naturally as it would during your regular menstrual cycle. We will monitor your cycle and the thickness of your uterine lining through ultrasound scans so that we know when to trigger ovulation.
Once ovulation has been triggered, the embryo transfer will be completed after a few days. You may be offered progesterone during the second half of your cycle, but this will depend on your personal treatment plan.
Most FET procedures are medication-controlled. This may also be offered if your cycle isn’t very regular, as it allows us to time the embryo transfer more accurately.
Hormones will be used to thicken your uterine lining, which we monitor regularly with ultrasound scans. Once the uterus is at the right thickness, you will begin the second phase of your hormone medication, and the FET will take place after a few days.
In the UK, embryos can typically be stored for up to 10 years, in line with HFEA guidelines. In certain circumstances, such as premature infertility, storage may be extended for up to 55 years. Embryos are stored at temperatures close to -196°C and do not deteriorate during storage, so the duration of freezing does not affect their quality or viability.
The vast majority of embryos survive the thawing process. At IVF Matters, we use vitrification, which significantly improves embryo survival compared to older slow-freezing methods. Your embryologist will assess your embryo’s quality after thawing and before transfer to ensure the best possible chance of success.
IVF Matters provides all-inclusive, transparent treatment packages with no hidden costs. Flexible payment plans, including instalments and “buy now, pay later” options, are available to make treatment more accessible. Please see our pricing page for full details.
It doesn’t. The freezing process uses ultra-rapid cooling in liquid nitrogen at -196°C (also known as vitrification) to preserve the embryos safely. Embryos can remain in these conditions without a reduction in quality or success rates.
Similarly, the thawing process is carefully controlled in the laboratory on the day of transfer, and the vast majority of good-quality embryos survive intact.
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