Frozen Embryo Transfers and Surrogacy Success Rates and What You Need to Know

By Dr. Jane Tucker, MD, Board-Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

When it comes to modern fertility journeys, Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET) and surrogacy often go hand-in-hand. Using frozen embryos gives intended parents greater flexibility, higher success rates, and better timing options when building their families through surrogacy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about FET and surrogacy — including success rates, timing, costs, and emotional factors.

What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a fertility procedure where a previously frozen embryo is thawed and implanted into a woman’s uterus — either the intended mother’s or a surrogate’s.

Why freeze embryos?

• Allows for multiple attempts from a single IVF cycle
• Provides time for genetic screening (PGT)
• Enables embryo storage until the intended parent or surrogate is ready
• Increases overall success rates compared to fresh cycles in many cases

Learn more about Surrogacy4All's fertility services

Why Use FET in Surrogacy?

Nearly all modern surrogacy journeys use frozen embryos because:

• Intended parents may already have frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle
• Timing embryo transfer with a surrogate’s cycle is easier
• Reduces pressure during IVF stimulation
• Allows pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for healthier pregnancies

Step-by-Step: FET in a Surrogacy Journey

• Embryo Creation and Freezing: Intended parents complete IVF and freeze viable embryos.
• Surrogate Selection and Screening: Medical and psychological evaluations ensure the surrogate is ready.
• Cycle Synchronization: Surrogate’s menstrual cycle is synchronized with medications (estrogen, progesterone).
• Embryo Thaw and Transfer: One or two embryos are thawed and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
• Pregnancy Testing: Blood tests confirm pregnancy 10–14 days after transfer.
• Prenatal Care: Surrogate continues regular prenatal visits until delivery.

Success Rates of FET in Surrogacy

Age of Egg Provider (at Retrieval)	FET Live Birth Rate
Under 35 years	60–70% per transfer
35–37 years	55–65% per transfer
38–40 years	45–55% per transfer
41–42 years	30–40% per transfer
Over 42 years	20–30% per transfer

Key Point: Success depends more on egg quality than the surrogate’s age or health.

Advantages of FET for Surrogacy

• Higher Success Rates: Especially when using genetically tested embryos.
• Lower Risk: Lower miscarriage risk with chromosomally normal embryos.
• Convenient Timing: Embryos can be stored until the surrogate is ready.
• Flexibility: Multiple embryos available for future siblings.
• Lower Stress: Reduces the emotional and physical demands compared to fresh cycles.

How FET Works Medically

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prepares the surrogate’s uterine lining.
• Embryo thawed the morning of transfer.
• Transfer is quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia.
• Surrogate rests for a few days following the transfer.

Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer

Feature	Fresh Transfer	Frozen Transfer
Immediate after IVF	Yes	No (delayed)
Endometrial Receptivity	Variable	More controlled
Genetic Testing	Limited	Available before FET
Surrogacy Suitability	Poor timing	Excellent timing
Success Rate	Lower	Higher (especially with PGT)

FAQs: FET and Surrogacy

Q: How long can embryos stay frozen?

Ans. Embryos can remain viable for 5–10+ years or longer when properly frozen.

Q: Does freezing damage embryos?

Ans. Modern vitrification techniques minimize damage; survival rates post-thaw are 90%+.

Q: How many embryos are transferred at once?

Ans. Typically one embryo is transferred to reduce twin risks, unless otherwise agreed.

Q: Can a surrogate carry embryos created years ago?

Ans. Yes — frozen embryos from previous IVF cycles are often successfully used.

Q: Is FET cheaper than a fresh transfer?

Ans. FET cycles usually cost less than creating new embryos through IVF.

Q: Are there extra medications involved for FET?

Ans. The surrogate takes estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining.

Q: What happens if the FET doesn’t work?

Ans. Additional embryos can be thawed for future attempts.

Q: Can we do genetic testing on frozen embryos?

Ans. Yes, genetic screening is typically done before freezing.

Q: How do clinics decide which embryo to thaw first?

Ans. Clinics prioritize embryos graded highest for viability.

Q: Does insurance cover FET?

Ans. Some plans do, but surrogacy-related costs are often out-of-pocket.

Emotional Impact of FET and Surrogacy

While medically straightforward, the emotional journey requires patience:

• Waiting for positive pregnancy tests can be nerve-wracking
• Failed FET cycles can feel discouraging, though success rates are encouraging
• Celebrating milestones together strengthens bonds with your surrogate

Surrogacy4All offers counseling and emotional support for intended parents and surrogates at every step.

Final Thoughts

Frozen embryo transfers have revolutionized fertility medicine — especially for intended parents using surrogacy. With higher success rates, better timing, and lower risks, FET gives families a reliable, safe way to build their dreams.

At Surrogacy4All, we expertly coordinate FET cycles and surrogacy journeys to maximize your chances of success.

Ready to take the first step?

Schedule your free consultation or Apply to Become a Parent Today

Contact us at 1-212-661-7177 or Email  info@surrogacy4all.com