A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a big step in your fertility treatment, giving you the chance to transfer a previously frozen embryo into your uterus with the aim of getting pregnant. Whether it’s your first IVF cycle or you are using an embryo from a past cycle, getting yourself ready—both practically and emotionally—can help you feel more in control of things.
FET has become a key part of fertility treatment thanks to better embryo freezing techniques, especially vitrification. This quick-freezing method has significantly improved the chances of embryos surviving the thawing process, making FET a strong option for many. A study published in Human Reproduction found that the survival rate after vitrification was 84.3%, compared to 52.5% after slow freezing (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). At Care Fertility Zita West, we see great success rates, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 34% per embryo transfer—higher than the UK national average.
Here’s what you need to know to get yourself in the best place possible—physically and mentally—before, during and after transfer day.
Your prep for FET starts well before transfer day. Your clinic team will guide you through everything, but here are some key things to keep in mind:
Your doctor will give you a personalised medication plan to get your uterus ready for implantation. This might include oestrogen to build up your uterine lining and progesterone to help with implantation. Take your meds exactly as prescribed—set reminders if you need to—your alarm will be your best friend during this stage of your cycle.
A balanced lifestyle can support your treatment. Eating well, light exercise such as walking and yoga, and getting good sleep all help. You don’t need to make massive changes, but small, positive tweaks can make a difference.
Think about the practicalities of getting to the clinic. Plan your journey in advance so you’re not stressed on the day—allow for travel time, possible delays, and consider staying in a nearby hotel the night before if you live far away.
It’s always good to confirm the details with your clinic ahead of time. Find out who can come with you, what will happen on the day, and how long it’s likely to take. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease.
Consider extra support
Some people find that complementary therapies like acupuncture help them feel more relaxed during IVF and FET. You can read about the benefits of holistic fertility support here. The research is still ongoing, but plenty of patients say they’ve found it beneficial.
You don’t need strict bed rest, but it’s a good idea to take things slow for a bit. Plan a relaxed evening—whatever that looks like for you. It could be curling up with a good book in bed, having a nice meal, or even going to the cinema. As long as it's not strenuous activity, do what works for you!
Once your embryo has been transferred, looking after yourself is key. Here’s what to keep in mind:
The wait between your embryo transfer and pregnancy test can feel long. Some people like to stay busy, while others prefer to take things slow—there’s no right or wrong way, just do what feels best for you.
Try to resist the urge to test too early—it can lead to unnecessary stress. And while it’s tempting to turn to Google for every little symptom, Dr Google isn’t always your friend. Stick to advice from your clinic and trusted sources to avoid unnecessary worry. Your clinic will let you know the best time to test for an accurate result.
Whatever the outcome, remember fertility treatment is a journey, and your clinic team is here for you every step of the way. Whether you’re preparing for a successful transfer or thinking about next steps, you’re not on your own—Care Fertility Zita West is here to support and guide you throughout.