How to prepare for an IVF embryo transfer

1 July 2026

Mr George Bakolas

What is an IVF Embryo transfer?

The embryo transfer is the final stage of the IVF process, where a fertilised embryo is placed into the uterus with the aim of implantation and, ultimately, a successful pregnancy.

By this point in the IVF timeline, you’ll have been through ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and several days of waiting for your embryos to develop in the lab. The transfer is the step that brings all of that together.

Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll have either a fresh transfer, which takes place around five days after egg retrieval, or a frozen embryo transfer (FET), using embryos that have been cryopreserved from a previous cycle. Your consultant will explain which approach is right for you and why.

Read our full IVF process step-by-step guide to understand the complete timeline

Fresh embryo transfer vs frozen embryo transfer (FET) – what’s the difference?

Both types of transfer have the same goal: to place an embryo into the uterus. But the timing, preparation, and some of the clinical reasoning differ.

Fresh embryo transfer

A fresh transfer occurs during the same cycle as your egg retrieval, usually five days after collection. Your body will still be in a stimulated state at this point, so your medical team will carefully assess whether your uterine lining and hormone levels are in the right condition for implantation. In some cases, a fresh transfer isn’t recommended, particularly if there’s a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or if the lining needs more time to thicken.

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)

A frozen embryo transfer happens in a separate cycle. The embryos from your original retrieval are frozen using a process called vitrification, then thawed and transferred when the time is right. A frozen cycle allows your body to fully recover from stimulation and offers more flexibility in timing.

Neither approach is universally better. Your consultant will recommend the option that gives your embryo the best possible chance.

Find out more about frozen embryo transfer at The Evewell.

How to prepare your body for embryo transfer

You’ll know what kind of transfer you’re having before your egg retrieval, but whether you’re having a fresh or frozen transfer, there are steps you can take in the lead-up to take care of your physical and emotional health in the lead-up to embryo transfer

1. Follow your medication plan carefully

Our team will provide a personalised treatment plan and medication schedule to help prepare the endometrial lining, the area in the uterus where the embryo needs to implant. If you’re having a frozen cycle, your medication may include oestrogen tablets or patches followed by progesterone. These help mimic the natural cycle and create the ideal hormonal environment to support pregnancy.

Following this schedule exactly – and watching any relevant videos – is one of the most important steps in how to prepare for either a fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Set reminders or use a medication tracking app if it helps, and never hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.

2. Support your body through lifestyle choices

Thinking about how to prepare your body for a fresh or frozen embryo transfer goes beyond medication. Your general health and wellbeing matter too. This also helps you feel more in control of the process, something we know a lot of patients worry about before the transfer.

We recommend:

• Eating a nourishing, balanced diet full of whole foods, good fats, lean protein, and lots of vegetables.
• Staying hydrated and reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Avoiding smoking, vaping and recreational drugs, which can negatively affect implantation and early pregnancy.
• And only practising gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming, but avoiding high-intensity workouts. For more information, read our Can you Exercise During IVF? blog.

3. Manage stress and prioritise rest

The emotional side of IVF is often overlooked, but it’s completely valid to feel anxious, hopeful, or overwhelmed. Practising mindfulness, breathwork, or getting plenty of sleep, and seeking emotional support from friends, loved ones, or fertility counsellors can be incredibly helpful.

At The Evewell, we treat the whole person, not just the clinical process. We’re here to support your mental wellbeing at every stage.

We have lots of advice and support in our Support section of the website, and we regularly post tips on how to manage stress and anxiety – such as tips on what to expect in the Two Week Wait – on our Instagram.

Preparing for an embryo transfer

Your doctor will tailor your treatment plan to suit your body and circumstances, whether you’re using a fresh or frozen embryo.

If having a fresh transfer, you will be given instructions on what medication to continue or start following your egg collection, and you will be schedule for your transfer procedure on day five.

How to prepare for frozen embryo transfer

While the overall process is similar, how to prepare for frozen embryo transfer may involve slightly different medication or timing. Frozen cycles allow your body to recover from stimulation and may reduce certain risks. They also give more flexibility around timing.

You will receive a treatment plan from your doctor, along with proposed medication and instructions to call the clinic on Day One of your period, where the nursing team will book you in for a “baseline scan” on or around Day 8-10 to assess your endometrial lining.

That evening, you will be advised when to start your medication, and then every 2-3 days, you will need to attend the clinic to be scanned and possibly have bloods taken to check your progesterone level.

When your doctor thinks you are ready for transfer, you will be given clear instructions on what to do, if any further medication needs to be administered, and when to attend the clinic.

What happens during the embryo transfer?

Here’s what to expect on the day of your transfer:

1. A full bladder is usually needed

Having a full bladder helps to straighten the uterus and improve ultrasound visibility, making the procedure easier. You’ll receive instructions on how much water to drink and when to start.

2. The procedure is quick and painless

The actual embryo transfer is a relatively short, noninvasive procedure that usually lasts 10–15 minutes. It’s similar to a smear test, and no sedation is required. A thin catheter places the embryo into the uterus under ultrasound guidance.

You’ll be able to go home shortly after. There’s no need for strict bed rest, light activity is safe and encouraged.

3. Aftercare and the two-week wait

You’ll continue your progesterone medication and be given a date for a pregnancy test around 9–12 days later. During this time, you may have questions about symptoms after embryo transfer and the changes you might notice in the days ahead.

This period is known as the Two-Week Wait and can be the most emotionally challenging stage of your entire treatment. We’ve written a blog post on how to get through this here.

What can I do to improve the chances of an embryo transfer working?

Preparing for embryo transfer can feel like both the culmination and the beginning of your fertility journey. Understandably, many people want to know what else they can do to improve their chances of success. While there are no guaranteed outcomes, the best approach is to take it easy, avoid high-impact activities, consider your diet and lifestyle, and prioritise your emotional wellbeing.

Distraction can be helpful during The Two-Week Wait. Plan gentle, comforting activities that bring you peace, and try to resist the urge to test too early or analyse every symptom.

Whether you’re researching how to prepare your body for embryo transfer naturally or looking specifically at frozen embryo transfer timelines, the message remains the same: trust your body, trust your treatment plan, and lean on your support network.

At The Evewell, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care. We’re here to support you every step of the way, physically, emotionally, and medically.

If you have any questions about your upcoming transfer or want to speak to one of our fertility specialists, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you feel calm, confident, and ready.