Frozen Embryo Transfer Surgery in Thailand (FET / Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer)

Frozen embryo transfer gives you the flexibility to separate egg retrieval from embryo transfer — allowing your body to recover, your results to be optimised with genetic testing, and your schedule to stay in your control. With modern vitrification technology, frozen embryos survive the thaw process with near-perfect success rates, and Thai clinics achieve pregnancy outcomes comparable to fresh transfers.

Procedure 2–3 weeks (endometrial preparation + transfer)

Hospital Stay Day procedure

Recovery 1–2 days light rest

Minimum Stay 7–10 days

What Is Frozen Embryo Transfer?

A frozen embryo transfer thaws a previously vitrified embryo and places it into the uterus at the optimal point in the menstrual cycle. FET is used after a freeze-all IVF cycle, when surplus embryos remain, or when PGT-A results require a delayed transfer — avoiding repeat ovarian stimulation.

Modern vitrification achieves embryo survival rates exceeding 95%, and FET pregnancy outcomes match or exceed those of fresh transfers. The uterine lining is prepared using a medicated or natural cycle protocol, with ultrasound monitoring to confirm optimal thickness before the embryo is thawed and transferred.

Common Concerns Frozen Embryo Transfer Can Address

Have frozen embryos stored from a previous IVF or ICSI cycle
Underwent a freeze-all cycle due to OHSS risk or PGT-A testing
First fresh transfer was unsuccessful and surplus embryos remain
Choosing to delay transfer for personal, medical, or logistical reasons

Are You a Good Candidate?

Have one or more vitrified embryos in storage
In good general health with a healthy uterus
Able to commit to 7–10 days in Thailand for monitoring and transfer
Completed any recommended follow-up testing since the previous cycle

Techniques & Options

The primary goal of a FET cycle is to prepare your endometrium (uterine lining) so that it is ready to receive the embryo at exactly the right time. There are two main approaches, and your specialist will recommend the one best suited to your cycle regularity and medical history.

Both protocols are well-established and produce similar pregnancy outcomes when managed by an experienced fertility team.

Medicated (Programmed) FET

Hormone medication — typically oestrogen tablets or patches followed by progesterone — is used to build and maintain the uterine lining on a controlled schedule. This approach suppresses your natural ovulation, giving your specialist complete control over the timing of the transfer. It is the most commonly used FET protocol for international patients because the schedule is highly predictable.

Precise scheduling gives you control over timing
Suitable for patients with irregular cycles
The most widely used FET protocol worldwide

Natural Cycle FET

No stimulation medication is used. Your natural menstrual cycle is monitored with ultrasound and blood tests to detect ovulation. The embryo is transferred at the appropriate time relative to your natural progesterone rise. This approach avoids hormone medication but requires more flexible scheduling.

No hormone medication required
Best suited to patients with regular, predictable cycles
May require more frequent monitoring visits

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–7

For a medicated FET, you begin oestrogen medication around day 1–2 of your period — this can often be started at home before you travel. For a natural cycle FET, monitoring begins around day 8–10. Your clinic tracks your lining thickness and hormone levels with ultrasound and blood tests.

Days 8–12

Your specialist confirms that your endometrial lining has reached the target thickness (typically 7mm or more with a trilaminar pattern). In a medicated cycle, progesterone support is started. In a natural cycle, your body's own progesterone rise is detected. Your embryo thaw is scheduled.

Transfer Day

Your embryo is thawed by the embryology team — a process that takes a few hours. Survival is confirmed before transfer. The transfer itself is a simple, painless procedure lasting about 10 minutes. A thin catheter is guided through the cervix and the embryo is placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. No sedation is needed.

Two-Week Wait

You continue progesterone support (if prescribed) and take a pregnancy blood test (beta-hCG) 10–12 days after transfer. Many patients choose to return home during this period and take the blood test locally. Your clinic will review the result and advise on next steps.

What to Expect

95%+ Embryo survival rate after vitrification thaw

40–55% Pregnancy rate per transfer (under 35, PGT-tested)

Flexible Timing Transfer when your body and schedule are ready

Safety & Risks

Frozen embryo transfer is one of the lowest-risk procedures in fertility treatment. It does not involve ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval, and the transfer itself is a simple outpatient procedure.

Small chance the embryo does not survive the thawing process (uncommon with modern vitrification)
No guarantee of implantation or pregnancy
Mild cramping or spotting after the transfer procedure

Side effects from hormone medication (bloating, headaches, mood changes)
Ectopic pregnancy (rare)
Emotional and psychological stress during the two-week wait

Your specialist will review your medical history and previous cycle outcomes before recommending the best FET protocol for you. The risks of FET are minimal compared to a full stimulated IVF cycle, making it a safe and efficient way to use stored embryos.

How Much Does Frozen Embryo Transfer Cost in Thailand?

Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from endometrial preparation to embryo transfer.

Frozen Embryo Transfer

All-inclusive FET cycle

From $1,500

Fertility specialist consultations
Endometrial preparation & monitoring
Embryo thawing

Embryo transfer procedure
Follow-up blood test
Dedicated care coordinator

Add Accommodation Package

Hotel, breakfast, airport transfers & 24/7 support

From $89 / night

Affordable suites on Sukhumvit Soi 23, a short ride from leading fertility clinics. Rooms include a kitchenette, daily breakfast, and access to the pool and fitness centre — a comfortable, budget-friendly base during your treatment.

A well-appointed serviced residence in the heart of Sukhumvit with full kitchen, washer-dryer, pool and gym. Ideal for patients on longer treatment cycles who want a home-away-from-home feel with hotel-level service.

A luxury hotel close to the clinic district, known for impeccable Japanese-standard service. Spacious rooms, an acclaimed spa, and 24-hour room service — the premium choice for a stress-free stay during treatment.

Common Questions About Frozen Embryo Transfer

Everything you need to know before your procedure

A FET cycle typically requires 7–10 days in Thailand. For a medicated cycle, you can start oestrogen medication at home and travel once your lining is approaching target thickness, reducing the in-country stay. For a natural cycle FET, you may need to arrive a few days earlier for ovulation monitoring.

Yes. Multiple large studies have shown that frozen embryo transfers produce pregnancy rates equal to — and in some cases slightly higher than — fresh transfers. This is partly because the endometrium is not exposed to the high hormone levels of a stimulation cycle, creating a more natural environment for implantation.

Embryos can remain frozen indefinitely without any deterioration in quality. Healthy babies have been born from embryos stored for over 25 years. The vitrification process effectively pauses all biological activity, so the length of storage does not affect the embryo's viability.

Vitrification is an ultra-rapid freezing technique that converts the embryo to a glass-like state in milliseconds, preventing ice crystal formation. It is far superior to older slow-freezing methods and achieves embryo survival rates exceeding 95%. All leading Thai fertility clinics use vitrification as standard.

For a medicated FET, yes — you will take oestrogen to build the uterine lining and progesterone to support implantation. For a natural cycle FET, no stimulation medication is required, though some specialists prescribe progesterone support after transfer. Your specialist will advise on the best protocol for you.

With modern vitrification, embryo survival rates exceed 95%, so this is uncommon. However, if an embryo does not survive the thaw, your specialist will discuss options — which may include thawing another stored embryo (if available) or planning a new stimulation cycle.

Yes — in fact, FET is the standard approach when PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) is used. Embryos are biopsied at the blastocyst stage, frozen while results are processed (usually 2–4 weeks), and then a genetically normal embryo is selected for transfer in a subsequent FET cycle.

Our FET pricing includes specialist consultations, endometrial preparation and monitoring (ultrasound and blood tests), embryo thawing, the embryo transfer procedure, and a follow-up blood test. Medication and embryo storage fees are quoted separately. Your coordinator will provide a full cost breakdown before you commit.

No. Embryo transfer is a painless procedure that feels similar to a cervical smear test. A thin, soft catheter is passed through the cervix, and the embryo is placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The whole procedure takes about 10 minutes, and no sedation or anaesthesia is required.

There is no evidence that bed rest improves outcomes — you can return to normal daily activities, including light exercise. Avoid heavy lifting, hot baths, and strenuous exercise. Continue any prescribed medication as directed. Most importantly, try to stay occupied and manage stress. Your coordinator is available throughout the wait for support and questions.

Dr. Natthida Chaisiri

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Dr. Natthida Chaisiri

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Fertility Specialist · Bangkok

Last reviewed: February 18, 2026

Medical References

What's Included

Fertility specialist consultations
Endometrial preparation & monitoring
Embryo thawing
Embryo transfer procedure
Follow-up blood test
Dedicated care coordinator

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Frozen Embryo Transfer in Thailand

What Is Frozen Embryo Transfer?