Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate in Bangalore | Nurture Hospital
Quick Answer: Frozen embryo transfer success rates in Bangalore typically range from 40-60% per cycle for women under 35. Rates vary based on age, embryo quality, and uterine preparation. Nurture Hospital’s personalized protocols optimize your chances for successful pregnancy.
Why This Matters to You Right Now
You’ve completed your egg retrieval. Your embryos are being cultured in the lab.
Your doctor mentions freezing some embryos for future use.
You’re wondering: “Are frozen embryos as good as fresh ones? What are my actual chances of getting pregnant?”
This decision affects your entire fertility journey and financial investment.
Let’s give you clear, honest answers backed by the latest research.
What is Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate in India?
Frozen embryo transfer success rate refers to the percentage of FET cycles resulting in clinical pregnancy or live birth.
Success rates have improved dramatically over the past decade due to advances in vitrification technology.
According to research published in the International Journal of Fertility & Sterility, older age, obesity, and endometrial thickness under 8mm showed significant associations with decreased clinical pregnancy rates in FET cycles.[1]
Understanding FET Success Rates by Age:
Age at egg retrieval is the single most important factor.
General Success Rate Ranges:
- Under 35 years: 45-60% per transfer
- 35-37 years: 40-50% per transfer
- 38-40 years: 30-40% per transfer
- Over 40 years: 15-25% per transfer
Why Age Matters:
Your age at egg retrieval determines egg quality. Even frozen embryos carry the biological age of the eggs. Women who freeze embryos before 35 maintain higher success rates even if transferring years later.
Real Patient Example:
Priya, 32, underwent IVF in Bangalore. She transferred one fresh embryo unsuccessfully and froze three high-quality blastocysts. Six months later, her first FET succeeded. She delivered a healthy baby girl. Her frozen embryos from age 32 retained their quality.
Understanding Different Success Metrics
When researching IVF centres in Bangalore, you’ll see different numbers. Here’s what they mean:
Clinical Pregnancy Rate:
Pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound showing gestational sac and fetal heartbeat at 6-7 weeks. Usually 5-10% higher than live birth rate because some pregnancies end in early miscarriage.
Live Birth Rate:
Percentage of FET cycles resulting in delivery of a living baby after 24 weeks. This is the most meaningful metric for patients.
Biochemical Pregnancy Rate:
Pregnancy detected only by blood test but not progressing to clinical pregnancy. Typically 10-15% higher than clinical pregnancy rates.
Nurture Hospital focuses on live birth rates when counseling patients because that’s what matters for family-building goals.
FET vs Fresh Embryo Transfer: Which is Better?
This is one of the most common questions from couples pursuing fertility treatments in Bangalore. The answer might surprise you: Frozen embryo transfer often equals or exceeds fresh transfer success rates.
A prospective study comparing 142 fresh and 320 frozen embryo transfers found comparable live birth rates between both approaches, with FET showing additional safety benefits including reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.[2]
Why FET Can OutPerform Fresh Transfer:
Better Uterine Receptivity
During fresh IVF cycles, your body receives high-dose hormones for egg retrieval. Your uterine lining may be affected by these supraphysiologic hormone levels, making it less receptive. With FET, your uterus returns to a more natural, optimized state.
Research demonstrates that transfer of fresh versus frozen embryos in ovulatory women yields comparable success rates, with FET offering improved safety profile.[9]
Embryo Selection Advantage
Frozen protocols allow time for: Preimplantation genetic testing results, Extended embryo culture to blastocyst stage, Better quality assessment, Selection of the single best embryo.
Timing Optimization
FET allows precise timing to match your optimal implantation window. This personalized approach significantly increases success rates versus standard protocols.
Lower Health Risks
FET eliminates risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication. Babies born from FET often have healthier birth weights compared to fresh transfer.
When Fresh Transfer May Be Preferred:
- You have normal hormone levels after stimulation
- You produce fewer embryos (1-2 total)
- You prefer avoiding additional freezing costs
- Personal or religious beliefs favor immediate transfer
Dr. Ambuja Govindraj’s Perspective:
“We’ve shifted toward freeze-all strategies for most patients. This lets the uterus recover from stimulation and allows optimal embryo selection. Our FET success rates increased substantially after implementing this approach.”
An observational cohort study on IVF/ICSI outcomes after a freeze-all strategy confirms the benefits of this approach for appropriate patient populations.[5]
Factors Affecting Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate
Understanding what impacts your FET success helps optimize your chances.
Factor 1: Embryo Quality and Stage
Blastocyst Stage Embryos (Day 5-6):
- Success rate: 50-60% per transfer (under age 35)
- Higher implantation potential than day 3 embryos
- Better survival rates after thaw
Cleavage Stage Embryos (Day 3):
- Success rate: 30-40% per transfer
- Lower implantation potential
- More vulnerable during freeze-thaw process
Research comparing day 5 and day 6 blastocysts in FET cycles demonstrated that blastocyst quality significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes.[4]
Nurture Hospital cultures embryos to blastocyst stage whenever possible, using advanced time-lapse imaging technology for selection.
Factor 2: Embryo Grading
Embryos are graded based on: Cell number and symmetry, Fragmentation percentage, Expansion level (for blastocysts), Inner cell mass quality, Trophectoderm quality.
Success Rates by Embryo Grade (Blastocysts):
AA or AB Grade (Excellent):
Success rate: 60-65%
BA or BB Grade (Good):
Success rate: 50-55%
BC or CB Grade (Fair):
Success rate: 35-40%
CC Grade (Poor):
Success rate: 15-25%
Factor 3: Endometrial Thickness
Your uterine lining thickness at transfer significantly impacts success.
Optimal Endometrial Thickness for FET:
- 8-12mm: Highest success rates (50-60%)
- 7-8mm: Good success rates (40-50%)
- Under 7mm: Reduced success (25-35%)
- Over 14mm: May indicate hyperplasia, reduced success
A large Canadian study analyzing 96,000 embryo transfers found that in FET cycles, live birth rates plateau after endometrial thickness of 7-10mm, while thickness under 6mm was clearly associated with dramatic reduction in success rates.[3]
Research consistently shows the relationship between endometrial thickness and outcome of medicated frozen embryo replacement cycles.[8]
Nurture Hospital uses advanced ultrasonography in Bangalore to precisely measure and optimize your endometrial lining before FET.
Factor 4: Body Mass Index (BMI)
FET Success by BMI Category:
- Normal BMI (18.5-24.9): Baseline success rate
- Overweight (25-29.9): 10-15% reduced success
- Obese (30-34.9): 20-25% reduced success
- Severely obese (35+): 30-40% reduced success
- Underweight (under 18.5): 15-20% reduced success
A retrospective cohort study of 1,112 women undergoing programmed FET found that obese women had approximately 37% decreased clinical pregnancy rate compared to those with normal BMI.[1]
Obesity affects endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and pregnancy maintenance.
Weight Optimization: Our family planning and fertility team includes nutritionists who help patients achieve optimal BMI before FET. Patients who lose 5-10% of body weight can improve success rates by 15-20%.
Factor 5: Uterine Factors
- Uterine Fibroids: Submucosal (30-40% reduced), Intramural >4cm (15-20% reduced).
- Endometriosis: Mild (10% reduced), Moderate to severe (20-30% reduced).
- Uterine Adhesions: Can reduce success by 40-60% if severe.
- Adenomyosis: May reduce success by 20-35%
Comprehensive uterine evaluation includes: Transvaginal ultrasound, Saline infusion sonography (SIS), Hysteroscopy when indicated, 3D ultrasonography using latest technology.
Factor 6: Previous IVF History
- Successful previous IVF: Your FET success rate increases by 15-20%.
- Multiple failed transfers: Additional testing recommended (ERA, receptivity mapping). Success rates may be 10-20% lower without intervention.
Women with previous live birth from IVF have approximately 25% higher FET success rates compared to first-time patients.
How to Improve Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate
You can actively optimize your FET success through evidence-based strategies.
Strategy 1: Optimize Your Endometrial Lining
Natural Cycle FET vs Medicated FET: Natural cycle FET (for women with regular ovulation) has comparable success to medicated cycles, with fewer medications required. Research on preparation of the endometrium for frozen embryo transfer provides updated clinical practices for optimal outcomes.[6]
Medications: Estrogen supplementation, Low-dose aspirin, Vaginal sildenafil, L-arginine supplementation. Studies demonstrate the effect of endometrial thickness on pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles using hormone replacement therapy.[7]
Strategy 2: Consider Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A)
PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Increases FET success rate by 10-15% per transfer and reduces miscarriage risk by 50-60%.
Strategy 3: Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA)
ERA analyzes 238 genes in your endometrial tissue to determine your personalized implantation window. Personalized embryo transfer based on ERA results improves success rates by approximately 25% in patients with recurrent implantation failure.
Strategy 4: Lifestyle Optimization Before FET
Mediterranean Diet Benefits: Research shows women following Mediterranean diet patterns show significantly higher FET success rates.
Include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, walnuts, flaxseed)
- Colorful vegetables and fruits (antioxidants)
- Whole grains (stable blood sugar)
- Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)
Avoid:
- Trans fats
- Excessive caffeine (limit to 200mg/day)
- Alcohol completely
- Processed foods high in sugar
Strategy 5: Stress Management
Chronic stress affects hormone levels and potentially reduces FET success. Evidence-based stress reduction: Acupuncture, Meditation, Moderate exercise, Adequate sleep, Support groups or counseling.
Strategy 6: Avoid Certain Medications and Substances
Contraindicated: NSAIDs (ibuprofen), certain herbal supplements, excessive vitamin C, hot baths, saunas, hot yoga.
Strategy 7: Consider “Embryo Glue”
Embryo glue increases clinical pregnancy rates by approximately 8% and live birth rates by 4%.
Best IVF Centre in Bangalore for Frozen Embryo Transfer
What Makes Nurture Hospital Stand Out?
- Advanced Laboratory Technology: EmbryoScope, Vitrification (99% survival).
- Experienced Fertility Specialists: Dr. Ambuja Govindraj (26+ years experience).
- Personalized Treatment Protocols: Individualized stimulation and transfer timing.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities: Hormone testing, Hysteroscopy, ERA.
- Transparent Success Rate Reporting: Honest, age-stratified expectations.
- Emotional Support Throughout: Dedicated coordinators and counseling.
Success Stories from Patients
Case Study 1: Ananya, Age 34
After two failed fresh transfers, Ananya came for a second opinion. ERA testing discovered her window was 12 hours earlier than standard. Her first personalized FET succeeded.
Case Study 2: Rajesh and Meera
PGT-A revealed chromosomal abnormalities in morphologically normal embryos. Transfer of a tested normal embryo resulted in successful pregnancy and twins.
The FET Process: Step by Step
- Step 1: Initial Consultation: Previous IVF history review and protocol selection.
- Step 2: Endometrial Preparation: Serial ultrasounds to assess lining (8mm+).
- Step 3: Embryo Thaw: Thawing 2-4 hours before transfer.
- Step 4: Embryo Transfer Procedure: No anesthesia, 10-15 minute procedure.
- Step 5: Luteal Phase Support: Progesterone supplementation.
- Step 6: Pregnancy Test: 10-12 days post-transfer blood test.
- Step 7: Early Pregnancy Monitoring: Continued support until transitions to obstetrics.
Cost of Frozen Embryo Transfer in Bangalore
FET is significantly more cost-effective than fresh IVF. Total FET cycle: Rs. 65,000 – 1,05,000. Nurture Hospital offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Common Questions About FET
How many embryos should be transferred?
Single embryo transfer (SET) is strongly recommended for patients under 38 with high-quality blastocysts to reduce multiple pregnancy risks.
Can I work after embryo transfer?
Yes. Return to work and normal activities the next day. Avoid only heavy lifting (>10kg) and high-intensity exercise.
When can I take a home pregnancy test?
Wait until your scheduled blood test (10-12 days post-transfer). Trust the blood test for accurate results.
Ready to Start Your FET Journey?
If you have frozen embryos or are considering IVF with a freeze-all strategy, Nurture Hospital provides the expertise and care you deserve.
Book Your FET Consultation TodayLocation: No. 80, Old No. 36, 20th Main Rd, 2nd Block, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010
Emergency: 8937503275
WhatsApp: 9880009596
Appointment: 080 41226969
Email: info@nurturehospital.in
Schedule Hours: Sunday – Saturday 24×7 Open
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Frequently Asked Questions About FET Success Rates
Is frozen embryo transfer better than fresh transfer?
Research shows FET has equal or slightly higher success rates compared to fresh transfer. FET allows better uterine preparation, optimal timing, and avoids hormonal effects from ovarian stimulation.
Scientific References
- [1] Suebthawinkul C, Numchaisrika P, Chaengsawang A, et al. Determining Factors Influencing The Successful Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy during The Frozen Cycle of In Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Fertil Steril. 2024;18(4):352–361
- [2] Mahmoudi N, Kazemnejad S, Zarnani AH, et al. Comparison of live birth rate and fetal outcomes between fresh embryo and frozen-thawed embryo transfers: a prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025;25:81
- [3] Liu KE, Hartman M, Hartman A. Optimal endometrial thickness in fresh and frozen-thaw in vitro fertilization cycles: an analysis of live birth rates from 96,000 autologous embryo transfers. Fertil Steril. 2022;117(4):792-800
- [4] Yin G, Li C, Sun X, et al. Comparing Day 5 versus Day 6 euploid blastocyst in frozen embryo transfer and developing a predictive model for optimizing outcomes: a retrospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol. 2024;14:1302194
- [5] Bourdon M, Alwohaibi A, Maignien C, et al. IVF/ICSI outcomes after a freeze-all strategy: an observational cohort study. Reprod Sci. 2023;30:2283–91
- [6] Zhang Y, Fu X, Gao S, et al. Preparation of the endometrium for frozen embryo transfer: an update on clinical practices. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2023;21:52
- [7] Haouzi D, Assou S, Dechanet C, et al. The effect of endometrial thickness on pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles which underwent hormone replacement therapy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2020
- [8] El-Toukhy T, Coomarasamy A, Khairy M, et al. The relationship between endometrial thickness and outcome of medicated frozen embryo replacement cycles. Fertil Steril. 2008;89:832–839
- [9] Shi Y, Sun Y, Hao C, et al. Transfer of fresh versus frozen embryos in ovulatory women. N Engl J Med. 2018;378:126–36
- [10] Middle East Fertility Society. Factors affecting frozen embryo transfer success rates. MEFS Journal. 2024
