Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): Step-by-Step Process & Success Rate in India (2025 Guide)

November 4, 2025

❄️ Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): Step-by-Step Process & Success Rate in India (2025 Guide)

Everything You Need to Know About Modern Frozen IVF Cycles

🌸 Introduction

In today’s world of advanced fertility care, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) has become one of the most successful and widely used IVF techniques.

Instead of transferring fresh embryos right after creation, FET allows doctors to freeze embryos and transfer them later — giving your body more time to prepare and increasing your chances of success.

At Zeeva Fertility, we’ve seen couples from around the world achieve pregnancy through carefully planned frozen cycles.

“FET is like giving your embryos the perfect timing — it combines science, patience, and precision.”
— Dr. Aarthi Mani, IVF Specialist & Embryologist

🧬 What Is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

FET is an IVF procedure in which previously created and frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the uterus.

These embryos are often from:

  • A previous IVF cycle where extra embryos were stored

  • A donor program (egg or sperm donors)

  • A PGT-tested batch (genetically screened embryos)

“Every embryo is a story waiting for the right moment — FET helps you choose that moment wisely.”

🧫 Why Choose FET Over Fresh Transfer?

✅ 1. Better Uterine Environment

In a fresh cycle, hormones from stimulation can make the uterus less receptive. FET allows your body to return to a natural state before implantation.

✅ 2. Higher Success Rates

Modern vitrification (flash-freezing) preserves embryos with 99% survival rate, leading to equal or higher pregnancy success compared to fresh transfers.

✅ 3. Safer for Patients

Ideal for women with PCOS, endometriosis, or high hormone levels — reducing risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

✅ 4. Time Flexibility

Couples can schedule transfer when physically and emotionally ready.

✅ 5. Genetic Screening Compatibility

Embryos can be PGT-tested before freezing, ensuring only healthy ones are transferred.

“FET makes IVF smarter — not just faster.”

⚙️ Step-by-Step FET Process

Step 1: Embryo Freezing (Vitrification)

After IVF or ICSI, embryos are cryopreserved at -196°C using vitrification — a fast-freezing technique that prevents ice damage.

Step 2: Uterine Preparation

You may undergo:

  • Natural Cycle FET: if your periods are regular (no meds).

  • Medicated Cycle FET: with estrogen and progesterone to thicken the uterine lining.

Step 3: Thawing the Embryos

When the lining is ready (8–12mm thick), frozen embryos are thawed carefully in a temperature-controlled lab.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

A selected high-quality embryo is transferred into the uterus using a soft catheter — a painless procedure that takes only 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Post-Transfer Support

You’ll continue progesterone medication for 10–12 days until a blood test confirms pregnancy.

“Each step in FET is timed with scientific precision — that’s the secret to its success.”

📊 FET Success Rates (India 2025)

Category Average Success Rate
Women under 35 years 70–75%
Age 35–40 years 55–65%
Age 40+ years 45–50%
Donor Embryo / PGT-tested 75–85%

✅ Success rates of FET are often higher than fresh cycles, thanks to better embryo selection and endometrial synchronization.

“In our experience, 7 out of 10 frozen cycles result in pregnancy.”

💰 Cost of FET in India (2025 Estimate)

Component Approx. Cost (USD)
Embryo Freezing (per batch) $500 – $800
Storage (per year) $150 – $250
Frozen Embryo Transfer Procedure $1,200 – $1,800
Medications & Scans $400 – $600
Total Estimated Range $1,800 – $2,800

✅ Nearly 60–70% cheaper than Western countries
✅ Legally compliant under India’s ART Act
✅ Includes advanced monitoring & endometrial tracking

⚖️ Legal & Ethical Guidelines (2025 Update)

Under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 and ICMR Guidelines:

  • Only registered ART clinics can freeze, store, and transfer embryos.

  • Embryos can be stored up to 10 years with written consent.

  • Transfer and storage must maintain identity coding and traceability.

  • Couples retain full legal parental rights of frozen embryos.

“Indian fertility laws ensure safe, ethical, and transparent use of cryopreservation technology.”

🌿 FET vs Fresh Transfer: Comparison Table

Parameter Fresh Transfer Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Timing Same IVF cycle Later cycle
Uterine Environment May be hormone-affected Natural or medicated, balanced
Success Rate 50–60% 65–75%
Risk of OHSS Higher Minimal
Cost Slightly higher overall Balanced over time
Recommended For Younger women, mild cases PCOS, advanced age, PGT cycles

“FET isn’t just a backup — it’s often the smarter first choice.”

💬 Real Couple Story

“After a failed fresh IVF cycle, our doctor suggested trying a frozen transfer. We waited a month, followed the uterine prep, and it worked! The FET gave us our miracle daughter.”
— Nadia & Imran, UAE

Real stories like these show that timing truly matters in fertility success.

🧘 Tips to Improve FET Success

✅ Maintain a healthy BMI (19–25)
✅ Follow prescribed medication timings strictly
✅ Stay calm and avoid stress — practice mindfulness or prayer
✅ Eat a fertility-friendly diet (warm foods, protein, iron)
✅ Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
✅ Sleep 7–8 hours daily

“A calm, nourished body is the best home for your embryo.”

🩺 Final Thoughts

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is no longer a backup plan — it’s the global gold standard for IVF success.
It offers flexibility, higher pregnancy rates, and safety for both mother and baby.

At Zeeva Fertility, we specialize in advanced cryopreservation and precision-timed frozen transfers for couples from across the world — combining technology and care for the best results.

“Science gave us freezing — nature rewards it with timing.”

📞 Begin Your FET Journey

Consult our fertility experts to discuss if a frozen cycle is right for you.
We assist with embryo transfer planning, storage, and international patient logistics.


🌐 Website: www.fertycure.com
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