One of the earliest real decisions in planning IVF treatment abroad is whether to pursue a fresh transfer (one continuous trip) or a frozen transfer (two separate, shorter trips). Both are medically well-established — the right choice depends on your case and your logistics.
Fresh transfer: one trip
Stimulation, retrieval, and transfer all happen within a single 15-to-20 day visit — see our full cycle timeline. This is the simpler logistical option if you can dedicate roughly three weeks to a single trip.
Frozen transfer: two trips
Retrieval happens on the first, shorter trip (roughly 10–12 days). Embryos are frozen, and any genetic testing (PGT-A or PGT-M) is completed during the wait. A second, shorter trip (typically 5–7 days) is scheduled later for the transfer itself, once your uterine lining is prepared.
| Factor | Fresh (one trip) | Frozen (two trips) |
|---|---|---|
| Total time in Colombia | 15–20 days, one visit | ~17–19 days, split across two visits |
| Genetic testing (PGT-A/M) | Not compatible with same-cycle fresh transfer | Fully compatible — testing happens during the wait between trips |
| Work/travel disruption | One longer absence | Two shorter absences |
| Typical success rates | Comparable, case-dependent | Comparable, case-dependent |
If you're planning to use PGT-A or PGT-M testing, a frozen transfer is essentially required, since results take 1–2 weeks and can't be ready in time for a fresh-cycle transfer. That single factor often makes the decision for you.
Which fits a summer window better
Both fit comfortably into a 10-to-12 week summer break. A fresh cycle uses one longer block of time; a frozen cycle uses two shorter blocks with flexibility in between — useful if your schedule has natural breaks you'd rather split the trips around.
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