So, the first IVF attempt didn’t work. Disappointing? Absolutely. Expensive? Without a doubt. Emotionally draining? That doesn’t even begin to cover it. But once the dust settles, the big question remains: What now?
That’s when the frozen embryos come into play. And if the clinic did what it was supposed to, those frozen little backups are safely stored, just waiting for their second chance.
Here’s the reality of what to expect: price-wise, process-wise, and emotionally for anyone in Pakistan gearing up for round two of IVF using frozen embryos.
Moving Forward After a Failed IVF Attempt
After weeks of injections, scans, bloodwork, hopes climbing, then falling and on top of all that, a bill that could’ve easily paid for a small car, it’s a gut punch.
But here’s the silver lining: if embryos were frozen during that first cycle, the second attempt doesn’t mean starting from scratch. There’s no need to go through stimulation, egg retrieval, or another round of hormonal gymnastics. This time, it’s just about preparing the uterus and doing an embryo transfer.
Cheaper. Simpler. Less physically demanding. And yes, slightly less terrifying when the invoice shows up.
How Many Embryos Were Frozen?
The second attempt depends entirely on what’s been saved from the first. Some couples end up with two to three frozen embryos. Others might get five or six if the response was good.
The more embryos frozen, the more chances at transfer and the more breathing room for the second round. Fewer embryos? Then this next move carries more weight. Either way, there’s a decision to make: go for transfer, or wait?
If the embryos are already there, waiting in storage, there’s no need to delay. Just prep, thaw, transfer, and hope this time things go the way they were supposed to from the start.
The Process of Transferring Frozen Embryos
The process is more straightforward than the first round. No stimulation injections. None egg retrieval. No general anesthesia. This time, the steps look like this:
- Uterine lining preparation using medications, usually oral or injectable.
- Monitoring through a few ultrasounds and hormone blood tests.
- Scheduling the transfer based on lining thickness and hormonal readiness.
- Thawing of the selected embryo(s).
- Embryo transfer via catheter, a quick and painless procedure.
- Two-week wait (aka the emotional hellhole between transfer and pregnancy test).
That’s it. Compared to what happened during the first round, this feels like IVF on easy mode.
Cost of Second IVF Attempt with Frozen Embryos in Pakistan (2025)
Here’s what everyone really wants to know. The cost of frozen embryo transfer in Pakistan in 2025 is approximately PKR 1.5 lacs. That number covers:
- Embryo thawing
- Lab work
- Medications for uterine prep
- Transfer procedure
- Post-transfer follow-up
Now compare that to the average cost of IVF for a fresh cycle, which usually ranges from PKR 3.5 to 5.5 lacs, depending on medications, lab protocols, and clinic expertise.
This second attempt is basically IVF-lite: fewer steps, less medication, less physical toll and, best of all, a much lighter financial hit.
No need to repeat the expensive parts like egg retrieval, ICSI, or oocyte stimulation. The cost of IVF egg retrieval, especially, is a big chunk of the total. Skipping that makes a real difference.
Is Your IVF Quote All-Inclusive? Double-Check This
Maybe. That’s why it’s important to work with a clinic that doesn’t surprise patients with mystery line items. Here’s what to clarify before signing off on the transfer:
- Are storage fees separate?
- Are additional medications included in the 1.5 lacs?
- Does the cost cover lab consumables and post-transfer support?
- Are there any “cycle cancellation” fees?
Some clinics will quote a base price and then add on everything from medication markups to embryo thawing charges. Others are more transparent.
This is exactly why people trust Family Fertility & IVF Center in Lahore. Pricing is clear. Expectations are managed. And most importantly, Dr. Sophia Umair Bajwa leads the clinical decision-making with experience and straightforward communication.
What Makes IVF Round Two Less Stressful
First cycle? Filled with nerves, confusion, optimism, and probably way too many Google searches. Second cycle? More practical. Less emotional (not by much, but still). The emotional rollercoaster isn’t gone, but now there’s context. Now there’s knowledge. Now there’s experience. Most couples going into a second attempt already know what they’re dealing with.
And having frozen embryos ready removes a major chunk of stress. There’s no need to worry about how many eggs will be retrieved, how they’ll fertilize, or whether anything will make it to Day 5. It’s already been done. The embryos are ready. Now it’s just about giving them a proper shot.
Success Rates of IVF with Frozen vs. Fresh Embryos
Here’s where many people are pleasantly surprised. Frozen embryo transfers (FET) can actually offer similar or even slightly better success rates compared to fresh transfers.
Why? Because the uterus isn’t overloaded with hormones like during a fresh cycle. The body is calmer. The endometrium has time to prepare properly. And labs now use vitrification (flash-freezing), which protects embryo quality during freezing and thawing. Of course, nothing is guaranteed. But the second attempt using frozen embryos is far from a backup plan. It’s a legitimate chance.
Best IVF Clinic in Lahore for Frozen Embryo Transfers
This one isn’t even a debate anymore. Family Fertility & IVF Center, under the guidance of Dr. Sophia Umair Bajwa, is recognized as one of the best IVF centers in Lahore for a reason.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- No runaround with pricing.
- Clean, modern lab facilities.
- Evidence-based protocols for embryo transfer.
- Compassionate support staff.
Patients looking for an IVF center in Lahore often feel overwhelmed by choices. Everyone claims to be the best. Everyone offers “affordable” treatment. But very few actually deliver results with empathy and clarity. That’s where Family Fertility Center really stands out.
This isn’t about hyping things up. It’s about pointing people toward a place where their money, time, and emotional bandwidth won’t be wasted.
What If the Second Attempt Also Fails?
That’s a tough question. And sadly, one that needs to be asked. If the second attempt with frozen embryos doesn’t result in pregnancy, options depend on how many embryos are left. More are frozen, another transfer can be scheduled, likely at the same price.
If no embryos remain, it means starting over. That includes everything: stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and all the costs that come with a full cycle. The total cost of IVF goes up again, and so does the emotional toll.
That’s why many couples choose to transfer one embryo at a time, rather than all at once. It preserves chances and spreads out the stress (though not everyone’s budget or situation allows for that approach).
How Soon Can You Try IVF Again After It Fails?
Short answer: when the body has recovered, emotions have settled, and finances allow for it. There’s no universally “right” time. Some couples are ready within a month. Others need six. The key is not rushing into it blindly. Have a consultation. Check the uterus. Ask all the annoying questions. Then schedule the transfer with a clear head.
Ready to Try Again? Do It Right This Time
If there are frozen embryos stored, don’t let them sit there collecting storage fees and stress. A second attempt doesn’t have to mean starting from zero: not physically, not emotionally, and definitely not financially.
The cost of IVF in Pakistan is no small deal. But the frozen embryo transfer route gives couples a smarter, more affordable second chance without repeating all the painful steps from the first cycle.
Family Fertility & IVF Center in Lahore continues to be one of the best IVF centers in Pakistan for a reason. The process is clear. The pricing makes sense. The results speak for themselves. And under the guidance of Dr. Sophia Umair Bajwa, patients know they’re not just a case number in a file, they’re given straight answers, backed by real expertise.
Whether this is the second round or the fifth, whether there’s one embryo left or five, it’s important to know your options and plan accordingly. Book a consultation. Ask the hard questions. And if something wasn’t covered here, go to our Youtube channel and drop a comment. Your question might just be the next topic we break down: honestly, practically, and without any unrealistic expectations
The embryos are thawed and waiting. Choose a clinic that’s fully on board.