The frozen embryo transfer timeline is one of the most anticipated and important parts of the surrogacy journey. For many surrogates, understanding what to expect during this phase helps ease anxiety and ensures a smoother experience. Whether this is your first surrogate pregnancy or your second time helping a family grow, being fully informed about the frozen embryo transfer process is essential.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we guide surrogates through every stage of the frozen embryo transfer cycle. From early hormone treatments to the embryo transfer procedure itself, our team ensures you are supported, prepared, and confident in what’s to come. This comprehensive guide breaks down the full timeline and process for a frozen embryo transfer, answers common questions, and helps you prepare physically and emotionally for a successful pregnancy.
Understanding the Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Process
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
A frozen embryo transfer, often referred to as an FET, involves transferring a previously cryopreserved embryo into a woman’s uterus. These frozen embryos are typically created through the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process using either the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. After the embryos produced and frozen, they are stored until it’s time for transfer into the surrogate’s uterus.
The frozen embryo transfer offers several benefits over a fresh embryo transfer, including more flexibility, better control over timing, and in some cases, improved success rates. Unlike a fresh transfer, where timing is based on immediate ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, the FET procedure allows the body to be optimally prepared for implantation.
Why Frozen Embryo Transfer is Standard in Surrogacy
The frozen embryo transfer process is the most common choice in gestational surrogacy because it allows for careful synchronization between the surrogate’s uterine lining and the embryo’s developmental stage. It also provides time for important procedures such as genetic testing, legal preparation, and coordination between the surrogate, fertility clinic, and intended parents.
Because embryos are already fertilized and cryopreserved, there is no need for egg retrieval or ovarian stimulation in the surrogate, simplifying the process considerably.
The Complete Frozen Embryo Transfer Timeline
Understanding the full frozen embryo transfer timeline helps you prepare for every step of the journey. The timeline typically spans four to eight weeks, depending on the specific treatment protocol, whether you are undergoing a medicated or natural cycle, and how your body responds to fertility medications.
Step 1: Surrogate Screening and Medical Clearance
Before the frozen embryo transfer cycle begins, the surrogate must complete thorough screening with a fertility doctor. This includes psychological evaluations, medical tests, uterine lining checks, and meeting with a reproductive endocrinologist. Your body must be healthy and hormonally balanced to prepare for the embryo transfer.
Internal link opportunity: Learn more about our surrogate screening process
Step 2: Suppression Phase Using Birth Control or Lupron
In the first 2 to 4 weeks of the FET cycle, most fertility clinics begin with hormone suppression. This phase often involves taking daily birth control pills or receiving injectable medications such as Lupron. These medications suppress your natural menstrual cycle, making it easier for your fertility specialist to control your hormone levels and prepare your uterine lining for implantation.
The suppression stage helps prevent premature ovulation and aligns the embryo transfer date with your optimal uterine environment. This part of the frozen embryo transfer timeline is essential for ensuring success.
Step 3: Baseline Appointment
After stopping birth control pills or Lupron, you will visit your IVF clinic for a baseline ultrasound and blood test. These tests confirm that your uterus is ready to begin estrogen therapy. Your fertility doctor will examine your ovaries and uterine lining to ensure suppression is complete before moving forward with the FET process.
Step 4: Estrogen Phase to Build Uterine Lining
Estrogen is used to thicken the endometrial lining and create an ideal environment for the embryo. During this phase, which lasts around 10 to 14 days, you may take oral estrogen, estrogen patches, or estrogen injections. Your IVF clinic will monitor your uterine lining through additional ultrasounds.
A thick and healthy endometrial lining is crucial to support implantation. Most clinics aim for a lining measurement of 8mm or greater before progressing to the next stage of the frozen embryo transfer process.
Step 5: Adding Progesterone Injections and Starting the Implantation Window
Once your fertility specialist confirms your lining is ready, you will begin progesterone injections or progesterone supplementation. This hormone prepares your uterus for implantation and must be timed precisely with the embryo’s developmental age. For example, a day-5 blastocyst will typically be transferred on day 6 of progesterone.
This synchronization between the frozen embryo and your uterus is vital to achieving a successful embryo transfer. Your clinic may also prescribe additional hormone medications for luteal phase support.
Step 6: Frozen Embryo Transfer Procedure
The embryo transfer procedure is typically quick, non-invasive, and generally painless. On transfer day, you will arrive at the IVF clinic with a full bladder, which helps the ultrasound technician guide the fertility doctor during the procedure.
The embryo, previously frozen, is thawed using a delicate embryo thawing protocol. Once thawed, it is loaded into a thin catheter and carefully inserted into the uterus. This part of the frozen embryo transfer FET cycle usually takes less than 20 minutes. No anesthesia is needed, and most surrogates describe the experience as mild discomfort, similar to a pap smear.
Step 7: Post-Transfer Recovery and Rest
After the embryo transfer procedure, most clinics recommend resting for 24 to 48 hours. Although there is limited scientific evidence showing that bed rest increases success rates, many surrogates feel more comfortable taking it easy after the FET procedure.
You will continue hormone treatments to support implantation and maintain a stable uterine environment. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and stress. Some surrogates experience mild cramping or spotting, which can be normal.
Step 8: The Two-Week Wait and Pregnancy Confirmation
About 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, you’ll return to the clinic for a blood test to check your hCG levels. This pregnancy test will determine whether the embryo successfully implanted and if the pregnancy is progressing normally. It is important not to take a home pregnancy test during this time, as it can result in false positives or negatives due to hormone medications still in your system.
If your hCG levels are high enough, the test confirms a successful embryo transfer and allows your fertility doctor to detect pregnancy early. You’ll continue monitoring with your fertility doctor for a few more weeks before transitioning to your OB/GYN.
Frozen vs Fresh Embryo Transfer: Key Differences
While both fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer can be effective, there are several key differences. A fresh transfer happens during the same IVF cycle as egg retrieval, often requiring immediate implantation. In contrast, frozen embryo transfer offers more flexibility, improved timing, and may allow your body more time to recover and respond to hormone treatments.
FET cycles have shown better success rates in certain studies, especially when paired with chromosomal testing to identify potential chromosomal abnormalities or when avoiding ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Frozen embryos also allow time to optimize the endometrial lining and uterine environment for implantation, reducing the risk of implantation failure.
Factors That Can Impact the Frozen Embryo Transfer Timeline
Every woman’s body responds differently to the IVF medications and hormone levels used in the FET journey. Factors that may influence your frozen embryo transfer timeline include:
- Response to estrogen or progesterone medications
- Issues with the endometrial lining, such as a thin lining or abnormal texture
- Changes in hormone levels requiring dosage adjustments
- Coordination delays between surrogate, clinic, or intended parents
- Medical concerns such as infection, illness, or delayed cycle response
If any part of the timeline changes, our team will work closely with your fertility clinic to adjust the plan and ensure your transfer remains safe and effective.
Tips for a Successful Frozen Embryo Transfer
- Follow your medication schedule precisely: Skipping doses or taking medications late can disrupt your hormone balance and impact implantation success.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Nutrient-rich foods support reproductive health and hormone stability.
- Avoid stress and prioritize rest: Your mental and emotional state plays a role in your overall wellness during the FET cycle.
- Stay hydrated and limit caffeine: These small changes can help optimize your uterine environment.
- Maintain communication with your agency: If you’re unsure about any instructions, your surrogacy coordinator is here to support you.
Internal link opportunity: Top health tips for surrogates preparing for embryo transfer
Frequently Asked Frozen Embryo Transfer Timeline Questions
How long does the frozen embryo transfer process take?
The typical frozen embryo transfer timeline is 4 to 8 weeks from the beginning of hormone suppression to the pregnancy blood test. Each FET cycle may vary depending on hormone responses and clinic protocols.
Is the embryo transfer procedure painful?
The embryo transfer procedure is generally painless. Most surrogates report mild discomfort similar to a pap smear.
What if my uterine lining doesn’t reach the required thickness?
If your uterine lining is too thin, your fertility doctor may increase your estrogen dosage or extend the estrogen phase. In some cases, the transfer may be postponed to allow for better preparation.
Can I transfer more than one embryo?
Some clinics and intended parents may consider transferring more than one embryo to improve success rates. However, this increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. Your fertility specialist will advise what’s best based on embryo quality and maternal age. In many cases, transferring a single embryo is recommended to reduce risks.
How are embryos thawed before transfer?
Frozen embryos go through a controlled thawing process in the lab to ensure they are viable before transfer. A cryopreserved embryo is carefully handled to protect its structure and improve the chance of implantation.
What is the success rate of frozen embryo transfer?
Success rates vary depending on maternal age, embryo quality, and overall reproductive health. In general, the frozen embryo transfer FET process has comparable or slightly higher success rates than fresh transfers, especially when using genetically tested embryos.
A Compassionate Partner Throughout Your FET Journey
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care throughout your entire fertility journey. From helping you understand the frozen embryo transfer timeline to coordinating with your fertility clinic and guiding you through hormone treatments, we stand beside you at every stage of the FET cycle.
If you’re ready to take the next step in becoming a surrogate, our team is here to support your success. We believe that every embryo transfer represents hope, connection, and the beginning of something extraordinary. Apply today to become a surrogate and begin your journey with confidence and care.
