Embryo transfer (fresh & frozen) — St. Louis, MO

The transfer is the last step of IVF: an embryo is placed in the uterus, fresh from the cycle or thawed from a frozen one. U.S. practice has shifted decisively toward frozen transfers, which allow genetic testing, better timing with the uterine lining, and lower risk from ovarian stimulation.

The number that matters as much as the live-birth rate is the singleton rate. Transferring multiple embryos raises the birth rate on paper while raising the real risks — prematurity and complications — that come with twins and triplets. Good programs get strong results transferring one embryo at a time.

86.9% of U.S. transfers used frozen embryos — CDC NASS 2022 Final ART Summary

Fertility clinics in St. Louis, MO

The share shown for each clinic is the percentage of its transfers using frozen embryos.

• Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center, at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital ranked #84 nationally · 58.2% of transfers used frozen embryos
• STL Fertility ranked #270 nationally · 98.3% of transfers used frozen embryos
• Center for Reproductive Medicine & Robotic Surgery not rated · 93.5% of transfers used frozen embryos

What to ask at a consult

• Do you default to single embryo transfer, and what is your singleton live-birth rate?
• Fresh or frozen for my case — and why?
• What does a frozen transfer cost if my first transfer doesn't succeed?

Costs are a first-class question for this procedure — see what IVF costs and how to pay less and whether insurance must cover treatment in Missouri.

Outcome data: CDC NASS 2022 Final ART Summary. Success rates vary with patient age, diagnosis, and clinic patient-selection practices; comparisons across clinics may not be meaningful (CDC). This page is general information, not medical advice.