Intended Parents

Frozen Embryo Success Rate


With advancements in technology, frozen embryos are now more commonly used, and many couples have successfully welcomed healthy babies using this method.

Freezing embryos is one of those ways to preserve your fertility and knowing more about the frozen embryo transfer success rate and what factors into that success rate can help decide if it’s the right path for you.

If you are not able to achieve or sustain a pregnancy, you can pursue a frozen embryo transfer with a surrogate. If surrogacy is something you’ve thought about as a way to become a parent, fill out our online contact form to learn more about the embryo transfer for surrogacy.

Below, we’ll dive into the success rate of IVF frozen embryo transfers, what impacts that success rate and why it has become the preferred method.

What Are the Success Rates of IVF Frozen Embryo Transfers?

There are a variety of reputable resources and industry professionals that have cited high success rates of IVF frozen embryo transfers.

  1. 1

    This 2017 study from the Stanford Medicine found that, for some women over the age of 35, frozen embryo transfers were 73% more likely to result in a pregnancy vs. a fresh embryo transfer.

  2. 2

    The Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles cited research from 2019 that looked at fresh embryo transfer success rates vs. frozen embryo transfer success rates and found that higher quality embryos are associated with a 79% live birth rate. Embryos are graded based on their quality and development with only the best quality embryos being selected for frozen embryo transfers.

  3. 3

    This 2021 report from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority found that the average IVF pregnancy rate using frozen embryo transfers has steadily increased over a 30 year period.

    Issues with fertility such as uterine issues can be addressed with the use of a surrogate. If this situation sounds similar to yours, we can help you find the perfect surrogate.

    Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate

    Fresh embryo transfers and frozen embryo transfers look very similar until the embryo transfer itself.

    A fresh embryo transfer takes place three to five days after egg retrieval while a frozen embryo transfer happens whenever you decide the time to grow your family is right.

    When it comes to frozen embryo transfer success rates:

    • Higher quality embryos are associated with a 79% live birth rate with good quality at 64%. Poor quality embryos are associated with a low birth rate of 28%.
    • If you decide to have your embryos frozen below the age of 35, your chances of higher quality embryos increase. If you choose to freeze your embryos above the age of 35, the chances of low-quality embryos increase.

    Frozen embryo transfers have become more and more prevalent in recent years because of the flexibility it gives you. Using frozen embryos allows you to:

    • Genetically test your frozen embryos, ensuring only the highest quality embryos are transferred.
    • Choose when to have the transfer, a timeline tailored to your situation.
    • Save money, as its more cost effective to use frozen embryos you have vs. more IVF cycles to create more embryos.

    What Impacts the Success Rate for Frozen Embryo Transfers?

    The evolution of technology has led to increased success rates for frozen embryo transfers. But the increased usage of frozen embryo transfers has also widened the knowledge of the process and we now know that these factors also play a big role:

    Egg quality and uterine receptivity decline with age. Women under 35 typically have higher success rates, while those over 40 may face more challenges like chromosomal abnormalities.

    What fertility specialists’ look for in embryos has impacted IVF frozen embryo transfer success rates. Appearance and developmental speed are two key factors that are graded.

    A healthy uterine environment is more likely to result in a successful implantation. Ideal endometrial thickness is typically around 7-10 millimeters. Anything significantly thinner can reduce success rates.

    Timing is critical to ensure a frozen embryo transfer takes place when the uterine lining is most receptive.  The implantation window is specific, transferring the embryo at the wrong time can mean it may not implant.

    Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can identify chromosomal abnormalities or embryos with genetic issues. Weeding out these embryos reduces the chances of implantation failure or miscarriage.

    Your fertility clinics’ practices, experience and technology can directly impact success rates.

    What are The Chances of Getting Pregnant with Frozen Embryos?

    That will largely depend on the age of the intended mother when the embryos are created. Egg retrieval procedures from women who are age 35 or younger have the highest chances of getting pregnant with frozen embryos.

    Contact us online if using frozen embryos is right for your circumstances, we can connect you with reputable fertility clinics that can walk you through the necessary steps. We’re here for you whenever you need us.

    How Can I Increase My Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rate [13 Tips]

    The path to becoming a parent isn’t always easy. There’s uncertainty and stress among many other emotions you may be feeling.

    By preparing beforehand and planning how to tackle certain aspects of the process, you can go into the process with confidence. Here are 13 tips you can use to prepare for a frozen embryo transfer:

    • Organize and take medications on time
    • Consider your treatment calendar
    • Stock up on entertainment
    • Purchase warm socks
    • Get plenty of sleep before and after the transfer
    • Avoid extreme temperatures against your abdomen and uterus
    • Prepare and eat IVF and frozen embryo transfer safe meals
    • Avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals
    • Plan logistics before the transfer
    • Pack a bag before the procedure
    • Go to the frozen embryo transfer with a full bladder
    • Avoid sexual intercourse after the transfer
    • Keep taking your fertility medications after the transfer

    If IVF has been unsuccessful for you, don’t give up hope. Get in touch with us today to learn more about surrogacy as an option with your frozen embryos.

    Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
    Is Surrogacy Right For Me?

    Take our 2 minute quiz to find out

    Get Started