Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Works Best?

Understanding Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfers

• Fresh embryo transfer: This happens in the same cycle as your egg retrieval. After your eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm in the lab, the resulting embryo is transferred to your uterus within 3 to 5 days.
• Frozen embryo transfer (FET): Here, the embryos are frozen (cryopreserved) after fertilisation and stored for use later. You can have the transfer in a future cycle, sometimes months or even years later. The embryo is thawed and placed in your uterus when you’re ready.

Pros and Cons of Fresh Embryo Transfer

Pros

• Quicker process: You can try for pregnancy right after egg retrieval, usually within 3 to 5 days. This is great if you’re eager to move forward without delay.
• Natural cycle alignment: The transfer happens in sync with your body’s cycle, which can feel simpler since it’s all part of one process.

Cons

• Hormonal challenges: Ovarian stimulation can lead to high oestrogen levels, which might make your uterus less receptive to implantation. This can lower your chances of success.
• Risk of OHSS: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but serious complication of stimulation drugs. It’s more likely to occur if you conceive in the same cycle.
• Tight timing: The transfer must happen within a specific window, which can feel restrictive if your body isn’t fully ready.

Pros and Cons of Frozen Embryo Transfer

Pros

• Timing flexibility: You can choose when to have the transfer, so you have more control over your pregnancy timeline. This is ideal if you need time to recover physically or emotionally, or want to delay pregnancy for personal reasons.
• Better uterine environment: After egg retrieval, your body gets time to recover from high hormone levels. This creates a more natural, receptive uterine lining, which can improve implantation chances.
• Genetic testing: FET allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to check for chromosomal abnormalities.
• Lower risk of OHSS: By delaying the transfer, you reduce the chance of OHSS.
• Future planning: Frozen embryos can be stored for years, letting you plan for more children later without needing another egg retrieval.
• Cost savings: If an IVF cycle doesn’t work, you can use frozen embryos for another try without repeating the costly egg retrieval process.

Cons

• Thawing risk: There’s a small chance an embryo might not survive the thawing process. Though modern freezing techniques have made this rare.
• Extra steps: You’ll need medications to prepare your uterus, which adds a layer to the process compared to fresh transfers.

Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Is Better?

• One reason is that your body gets time to recover from the intense hormonal stimulation of egg retrieval. This way, your doctor can transfer the embryo when your uterus is in a more natural, welcoming state.
• Another big benefit is genetic testing. This is especially useful if you’re over 35 or have a history of miscarriage, as it helps make sure only healthy embryos are transferred.
• FET pregnancies also tend to have better outcomes, like lower chances of preterm birth, gestational hypertension, or growth issues for the baby.
• Lastly, FET gives peace of mind. You can freeze embryos at a younger age when your eggs are likely healthier, and preserve your fertility for later.

Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfer: Factors to Consider When Choosing

• Your age: If you’re under 35, you’re more likely to have high-quality embryos. This can work well for either option. Over 35, frozen transfers with PGT might be a smarter choice to ensure healthy embryos.
• Health conditions: FET is often safer if you have PCOS or are at risk for OHSS.
• Timing preferences: If you want to try for pregnancy right away, a fresh transfer could be better. But if you need flexibility or want to space out pregnancies, FET is the way to go.
• Cost: FET can save money in the long run because extra frozen embryos mean you might not need another round of egg retrieval.

FAQs on Fresh Vs Frozen Embryo Transfer: Which Works Best?

1. Which is better: fresh or frozen embryo transfer?
   Many doctors now prefer frozen transfers because your uterus may be in a more natural state, which can improve the chances of successful implantation.
2. What are the disadvantages of fresh embryo transfer?
   Fresh embryo transfers can sometimes be less successful if your hormone levels are high from ovarian stimulation. There’s also a slightly higher risk of complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation.