IVF Frozen Embryo Transfer Timeline With Schedule Downloadable

Sometimes, hitting the “pause” button feels good, especially when life moves at a hundred miles an hour. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) allows you to take a breather on family planning so you can welcome a new baby at a convenient time when you feel well prepared.

FET differs from fresh embryo transfer, involving steps like storing embryos, preparing for the transfer, and adjusting medication. 

Because of all the stages and considerations involved, FET can feel overwhelming. A clear timeline and schedule will help you feel calmer, more confident, and under control. 




What is IVF frozen embryo transfer (FET)?

A frozen embryo transfer is an IVF procedure that involves thawing a previously frozen embryo and implementing it into the patient’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. 

You might choose to freeze embryos:

• To create a family in the future.
• If you have a medical condition that affects fertility.
• If you’re in an LGBTQ+ relationship.

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Your clinic can freeze your embryos after the egg retrieval process. If you’re ready to proceed with the IVF journey, they will usually advise you to wait 6-8 weeks before beginning the frozen embryo transfer. 

Remember that frozen embryos have no “age limit” (depending on your country’s embryo storage regulations), and you may choose to do the transfer months or even years after the egg retrieval.

Here’s a quick rundown of what happens during the frozen embryo transfer:

1. Preparation: Before the FET, you’ll discuss which cycle is best (natural or hormone-regulated, which we’ll discuss below), how to look after your body before the transfer, and the ideal FET date.
2. Thawing the embryos: On the morning of the transfer, the clinic will thaw the embryos.
3. Embryo transfer: The thawed embryo will be implanted into the lining of your uterus using a catheter. 
4. Post-transfer waiting period: You’ll need to wait 10-14 days before taking a pregnancy test. During this time, you may experience signs of a successful transfer.

Frozen embryo transfer: natural or hormone-regulated cycle?

There are two options for the frozen embryo transfer cycle: natural or hormone-regulated. Both are equally viable, and the fertility doctor will advise you on which is best for your body. Here are the key differences: 

Natural cycle

Your natural ovulation cycle determines the schedule of your frozen embryo transfer process. During the natural cycle, your uterine lining will thicken because your body produces progesterone. Bear in mind that, with a natural cycle, you have less control over the timing of the FET—it’s down to your ovulation.

Hormone-regulated cycle

Fertility doctors will guide you in taking hormone medication (estrogen and progesterone) to support the thickening of your uterine lining and to ensure optimal timing for the frozen embryo transfer. The timing of the frozen embryo transfer process is more predictable than with a natural cycle.

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A complete frozen embryo transfer timeline for future parents

Timelines for the frozen embryo transfer aren’t set in stone. Your timeline might vary depending on the clinic’s protocols, how you respond to medications, and your unique health history. Here’s what a general FET schedule could look like. 

Days 1-14 (Preparation)

You’ll have an initial consultation with the fertility doctor to decide what cycle type to do (natural or hormone-regulated), how to stay healthy during the process, and an estimated transfer date.

Day 15: (Cycle day 1)

It’s essential to note the first day of your menstrual cycle clearly; the fertility doctor will refer back to this. If you choose a hormone-regulated cycle, you’ll be directed to take estrogen supplementation shortly after the first day of your period.

Days 16-20 (Monitoring)

During these days, fertility specialists will use blood tests to monitor the thickening of your endometrium, also called the uterine lining. In short, the uterine lining has to be thick enough to implant the embryo. You’ll continue to take estrogen if you choose a hormone-regulated cycle.

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Pre-clinic prep

This waiting time is an excellent opportunity to do some pre-clinic prep. Pack a bag to take with you, including:

• Comfortable and loose clothing. Don’t forget to bring some woolly socks and a warm jumper too.
• Water and snacks. Although the clinic will probably provide these, you may want to take your favorites!
• Something to keep you calm and entertained during the wait, like headphones or a book.

You can also prepare the logistics of the transfer day. After all, the last thing you want is to rush around.

• Plan when to leave your house and how long it’ll take you to get to the clinic.
• Pack your bag the night before, and consider what comfortable clothes you’ll wear.
• Ask someone to come with you.
• Check how long you’ll be at the clinic. You may want to clear your calendar to relax for the rest of the day.
• Use our downloadable schedule to keep track of the date, type, location, and type of all scheduled appointments through the FET process.

Day 21 (Cycle day 7)

Doctors will monitor the thickening of your uterine lining. If it isn’t thickening enough, they’ll make a plan to support you, whether you choose a natural or hormone-regulated cycle. 

If you choose a hormone-regulated cycle and the uterine lining is thickening enough, you’ll be directed to start taking progesterone medication (usually administered orally or via patches).

Pre-transfer clinic visit

Your doctor will invite you for an ultrasound scan to check if the uterine lining is thick enough. If it is, you can schedule the transfer procedure with them.

• For natural cycles, you don’t need to do anything differently.
• For hormone-regulated cycles, continue taking the progesterone medication.

Transfer day

The ideal time for the FET is after ovulation because this is when your uterine lining is thickest. 

Grading and thawing

Before the transfer day, the embryologists grade the embryos to determine their viability for success. The grading process identifies which embryos will be thawed in the clinic on the morning of the transfer. You can expect a call from the clinic on the morning of the transfer, confirming that the embryos have survived the thawing process and that you have the green light.

Drinking water

Arrive at the clinic with a full bladder—although this is a bit uncomfortable in the short term, there’s a good reason for it. A full bladder changes the angle of the uterus, enabling the fertility doctor to get a better view of the catheter on the ultrasound. 

The procedure

So, what happens during the embryo transfer process? The fertility doctor will use an ultrasound to see your uterus. They will use a catheter to insert the thawed embryo into the lining of your uterus—it’ll feel kind of like a smear test, and you won’t need an anesthetic. 

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Post-transfer wait

The embryo takes about 72 hours to fully implant itself in the uterine lining. During this time, you may experience positive signs that the embryo transfer was successful, such as spotting or fatigue. There could be negative signs, too, but remember that each body is unique, so speak with your doctor if you’re confused about any symptoms.

Top tips for this waiting period include:

• Avoid sexual intercourse, which can lead to uterine contractions.
• Try to avoid contact with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are found in household items like nail polish, fragrance, and non-stick cooking tools, and they can disrupt your hormones.
• Stick to a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, whole foods, and water. Doctors generally recommend a high-fat, low-carb diet.
• Maintain a neutral or warm body temperature, and avoid extreme heat like saunas or baths.
• Keep track of your medications to feel confident you’re taking them as prescribed. Use our downloadable FET schedule to note the dosage and frequency of all directed medications. If you do a hormone-regulated cycle, you’ll continue to take hormone medication up to around 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy test 

Note the date you should take the pregnancy test—usually, it’s 10-14 days after the frozen embryo transfer. 

To take a pregnancy test:

1. Purchase a pregnancy test from a pharmacy. Most at-home tests require urine. Remember, the exact steps will vary for each brand. 
2. Typically, the test box will include 1 or 2 sticks. To take the test, simply pee on the end of the stick for 5-10 seconds as directed (or place it in a urine sample). Then, set it aside for the directed timeframe.
3. While you wait, read the instructions on the box to ensure you understand the results.
4. Contact your fertility doctor no matter the outcome:

If the result is negative, you’ll be directed to stop the hormone treatment (for hormone-regulated cycles), and you can discuss the next steps (and possibly another frozen embryo transfer or IVF cycle) with the clinic.

If the result is positive, the clinic will ask you to go in for a scan approximately three weeks later to check and confirm the pregnancy. 

Feel more in control over the frozen embryo transfer experience

FET is a fantastic choice for future parents hoping to create a family on their terms. While it seems complex initially, the frozen embryo transfer process becomes much more understandable when you have the right support and a comprehensive schedule. 

AIVF is dedicated to guiding patients every step of the way throughout FET. Our advanced AIVF Genetics platform helps embryologists select the highest-quality embryos for transfer using a proprietary, non-biased AI model. This technology provides exceptional visibility and understanding over critical moments in embryo scoring. Plus, the process is simple and non-invasive, helping you experience a kinder IVF journey. 

Download your frozen embryo transfer schedule today and let AIVF help you stay on track throughout your IVF journey.