The basic difference
Both methods use embryos created through IVF. The difference is when the embryo goes into the uterus.
A fresh transfer happens in the same cycle as egg collection, usually on day 3 or day 5. A frozen transfer, also called FET, uses an embryo frozen earlier. It is thawed and transferred in a separate cycle, weeks or months later.
Modern freezing uses vitrification, a very rapid method. Most good-quality embryos survive thawing well, though not every one does.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Fresh transfer | Frozen transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | 3 to 5 days after egg collection | In a later cycle |
| Uterus at transfer | Still affected by stimulation hormones | Prepared separately, no stimulation |
| OHSS risk | Can worsen OHSS in high responders | Avoids pregnancy-related worsening of OHSS |
| Embryo testing (PGT) | Usually not possible in time | Allows time for test results |
| Total time to transfer | Shorter | Longer, by weeks or months |
| Extra costs | None for freezing if all used | Freezing, storage and FET cycle |
| Travel | One stay covers everything | A second visit for transfer |
When a fresh transfer may suit you
- Your response to stimulation was normal, without signs of OHSS.
- Hormone levels and the lining look right on the day.
- No embryo genetic testing is planned.
- You prefer fewer visits and a shorter overall timeline.
A fresh transfer avoids the extra steps of freezing and thawing. For couples travelling to Delhi, it can mean one trip instead of two.
When a frozen transfer may be better
- High OHSS risk: common in women with PCOS or a strong response to medicines.
- Lining not ready: the endometrium is too thin or out of step with the embryo.
- High hormone levels on trigger day that may affect the lining.
- PGT planned: embryos are frozen while test results are awaited.
- Illness or personal reasons that make transfer unwise at that time.
Our articles on PCOS and IVF and thin endometrium explain two of these situations in more depth.
How a frozen transfer cycle works
- Choose the cycle typeThe lining is prepared either with hormone medicines or by tracking your natural ovulation.
- Prepare the liningWith medicines, you take oestrogen for about two weeks. Scans check the lining thickness.
- Start progesteroneProgesterone is added to time the lining with the embryo's age.
- Thaw and transferThe embryo is thawed on the planned day and placed in the uterus with a thin catheter.
- Pregnancy testA blood test is done about two weeks after transfer.
Most women can carry on with normal daily life during the preparation weeks. Only short visits for scans are usually needed.
A frozen transfer cycle has no egg collection and no stimulation injections. Many women find it physically easier. Read more on our frozen embryo transfer page.
Natural cycle or medicated cycle for FET
There are two main ways to prepare the uterus for a frozen transfer. The doctor chooses based on your periods and history.
| Approach | How it works | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Natural cycle | Scans track your own ovulation; transfer is timed to it | Women with regular periods |
| Medicated cycle | Oestrogen and progesterone build and time the lining | Irregular periods, PCOS, or when flexible dates are needed |
A medicated cycle makes it easier to fix the transfer date in advance. This helps couples who need to plan travel to Delhi.
Single or more than one embryo?
Whether fresh or frozen, transferring more embryos raises the chance of twins or triplets. Multiple pregnancy carries higher risks for both mother and babies. Many doctors now prefer to transfer one good-quality embryo and freeze the rest.
Ask your doctor how many embryos they recommend in your case and why.
What about success?
Both methods can lead to a healthy pregnancy. Research comparing them continues, and the better choice differs between patients.
Success depends mainly on age, egg reserve, sperm quality and embryo quality. The doctor explains realistic chances after tests. Be cautious of any claim that one method is always better.
Questions to ask before your cycle
- Do you plan a fresh or frozen transfer for me, and why?
- What would make you change the plan during the cycle?
- How many embryos would you transfer, and how many could be frozen?
- Will a frozen transfer use a natural or medicated cycle?
- How long can the embryos be stored, and what does storage cost?
Cost differences
A fresh transfer is included in a standard IVF cycle, which typically costs ₹1,60,000 – ₹3,56,000. A frozen route adds embryo freezing at ₹15,000 – ₹40,000, storage at ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per year and a frozen embryo transfer cycle at ₹40,000 – ₹80,000.
If you have extra embryos after a fresh transfer, freezing them lets you try again without a full new cycle. This can lower the total cost of a second attempt. You receive a written itemised estimate before treatment.
The decision is often made during the cycle
Even if you plan a fresh transfer, the doctor may advise freezing all embryos based on scans and blood tests near egg collection. This is done for safety and timing, not as a setback.