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Fertility Glossary

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

Transferring an embryo that was previously vitrified and stored, after warming it in a later cycle.

IVF treatment

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is the transfer of an embryo that was vitrified in an earlier cycle, warmed, and then placed into the uterus in a subsequent cycle prepared specifically for this purpose. FET is now very commonly used in Indian IVF practice, including for freeze-all strategies, cycles involving PGT-A, and simply to allow more time between egg collection and transfer. The uterine lining is prepared for FET using either a natural or modified-natural cycle, which relies on the person's own ovulation, or a programmed (medicated) cycle, which uses hormone medicines to prepare the endometrium; the choice depends on individual factors and clinical judgement.

Also known as: FET, frozen transfer

Related India guides

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Fresh embryo transfer

Transferring an embryo in the same cycle in which the eggs were collected, without freezing.

Embryo freezing

Vitrifying and storing embryos, usually at the blastocyst stage, for use in a later cycle.

Embryo warming

The process of bringing a vitrified embryo back to body temperature before transfer, and checking it survives.

Endometrium

The uterine lining, where an embryo implants.

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