X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Everything You Need To Know About Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfers

3 min read

Why isn’t every embryo transfer cycle a fresh one? Do transfers require anaesthetic? Does fresh or frozen have a higher success rate? Read on for frozen embryo transfer tips and more.

If you have been fortunate enough during an IVF cycle to have several eggs retrieved, then fertilised with sperm and good quality embryos created, the outcome will be spare embryos that you can choose to freeze for future use.

This gives you the option to start with a Fresh Embryo Transfer, and if needed down the track, have a Frozen Embryo Transfer.

Some ask why isn’t every embryo transfer cycle a fresh one and isn’t that a wiser option? The reality is that when women undertake an IVF cycle, the aim is to retrieve as many good-quality eggs as possible to optimise the chance of a successful pregnancy.

IVF can be physically and emotionally challenging process and the fewer cycles you have to go through the better.

If you only relied on one egg or embryo per cycle, sadly not every egg will fertilise or go on to form a good-quality embryo. Having some spare eggs to fertilise and embryos to freeze is fortunate and extends your pregnancy potential.

So what is the difference between having a Fresh Embryo Transfer compared to a Frozen Embryo Transfer? Here I explain a few of the facts for you.

frozen embryo transfer tips

Success rates for fresh and frozen transfers are now equal. | Photo: iStock

 
What is a Fresh Embryo Transfer? Sydney Fertility Weighs In

A Fresh Embryo Transfer normally takes place two to five days after egg pick up – you will be advised when the right time is.

Prior to the transfer, the embryologist discusses with you which embryo will be transferred and why.

The transfer may be performed with or without ultrasound guidance and takes place at the clinic.

It is a simple medical procedure and normally requires no anaesthetic and you do not need to take the day off work.

Everything You Need To Know About Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfers

IVF cycles can be difficult physically and emotionally for a woman. | Photo: iStock

 
What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer?
 

Following a Fresh Embryo Transfer, any remaining embryos can be frozen via a rapid freezing process called vitrification and stored for your future use in a Frozen Embryo Transfer.

The success rates for fresh versus Frozen Embryo Transfers are also considered equal these days.

The process for thawing embryos is very simple and involves removing the individual blastocyst from liquid nitrogen and replacing the cryoprotectant with water. This takes about 15 minutes.

Frozen Embryo Transfer Tips

Preparation for a Frozen Embryo Transfer is a lot easier than a Fresh Embryo Transfer as it does not involve the stimulation of the ovaries. 

A Frozen Embryo Transfer is all about timing it to take place at the correct stage in your cycle.

The Frozen Embryo Transfer can be transferred in a natural cycle or in a controlled medicated cycle.

The doctor will do a baseline check of your uterine lining at the start of the cycle and check it again a few days before transfer to ensure it is in optimum condition.

The actual embryo transfer procedure on the day then replicates a fresh transfer and does not require sedation or medication.

There is no time limit for using frozen embryos as they will remain as strong as were the day they were frozen.

Finally, Frozen Embryo Transfers are considerably cheaper than a full IVF cycle as you are only going through a fraction of a full cycle.

Dr Georgiana Tang is the Medical Director of City Fertility Sydney.

frozen embryo transfer tips

Frozen embryo transfer tips: Transferring a frozen embryo is easier and cheaper than transferring a fresh one. | Photo: iStock

For more information, visit Sydney Fertility here. 

This article was first published in Kidspot and was republished on theAsianparent with permission. 

Get daily updates about our top stories when you follow us on Telegram at https://t.me/theAsianparentSG.

Also read: ‘Can I Still Have A Family If I Have Endometriosis?’

Partner Stories
Exploring Prenatal Massage in Singapore: A Comprehensive Overview and Guide
Exploring Prenatal Massage in Singapore: A Comprehensive Overview and Guide
Empowering Couples in Singapore: A Guide to Family Planning for a Brighter Future
Empowering Couples in Singapore: A Guide to Family Planning for a Brighter Future
8 Wonderful Effects of Coconut Water For Pregnancy
8 Wonderful Effects of Coconut Water For Pregnancy
Parenting Lesson from a New Mum - Don’t Try to Do it All on Your Own!
Parenting Lesson from a New Mum - Don’t Try to Do it All on Your Own!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

kidspot

  • Home
  • /
  • Becoming a Parent
  • /
  • Everything You Need To Know About Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfers
Share:
  • Chrissy Teigen and John Legend expecting their second baby via frozen embryo transfer!

    Chrissy Teigen and John Legend expecting their second baby via frozen embryo transfer!

  • Watch: Here's How Ultrasound Guided Embryo Transfer Works

    Watch: Here's How Ultrasound Guided Embryo Transfer Works

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • Chrissy Teigen and John Legend expecting their second baby via frozen embryo transfer!

    Chrissy Teigen and John Legend expecting their second baby via frozen embryo transfer!

  • Watch: Here's How Ultrasound Guided Embryo Transfer Works

    Watch: Here's How Ultrasound Guided Embryo Transfer Works

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on pregnancy.