Frozen Embryo Transfer vs. Fresh Cycle IVF

Frozen Embryo Transfer vs. Fresh Cycle IVF: Which is Better for You?

As we all know, there are two options for the embryo transfer fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer. The question that strikes our mind is which one is better for you? What is the success rate of both comparatively?

Embryo transfer is the last stage of IVF treatment and is the most crucial one as it leads to the placement of the embryo in the uterus. Embryos are developed outside of the body in the lab by the fusion of male partner’s sperms and oocytes that are retrieved from women undergoing IVF treatment. The goal is to achieve a successful pregnancy by attaching it successfully to the uterine lining and developing into a healthy pregnancy.

Understanding the difference between fresh embryos and frozen embryos

The major difference between both lies in the handling and timing of embryos for both fresh embryos and frozen embryos. Let’s have a look at a broader picture of Frozen embryo transfer vs Fresh IVF-

What is Fresh Cycle IVF?

In a Fresh Cycle IVF, embryo transfer typically takes place or occurs within 5 days after the retrieval of the patient’s eggs. These eggs are retrieved from ovaries after their stimulation with hormones. These eggs are fertilized with sperms in the IVF lab either traditional fertilization or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and the resulting embryos are monitored and grown closely. Once the embryos are developed, the healthy embryos either one or more are transmitted to the uterus for implantation.

Advantages of Fresh Cycle IVF:

• Immediate transfer: the embryos are transferred immediately just after their fertilization, this makes it find out a quick route to pregnancy.
• Simultaneous treatment: the waiting period is nil as the creation and transfer of embryos is carried within the same cycle.
• Natural synchronization: Fresh embryo transfer leads to better synchronization and balance with the natural hormonal environment leading to an improvement in the implantation process.

Disadvantages of Fresh Cycle IVF:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): OHSS can occur rarely at the time of stimulation of ovaries. It is a condition where ovaries become painful and swollen, leading to major complications.
• Stress on the body: you can get physically and emotionally devastated as fresh cycles are carried with intensive hormone treatments.
• Lower implantation rates for certain patients: if a lot of eggs are retrieved from a woman, her body might not be that feasible or in an ideal state for implantation of the embryo. This leads to the attainment of lower success rates.

What is Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?

In Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), embryos that are created during the previous cycles are used as they are frozen and stored for future use. This embryos are generally used after recovery of women from egg retrieval and are hormonally prepared for it. In this, best-quality embryos are thawed and carried into the uterus for their future needs. This can also be a part of a natural cycle, it all depends on the individual needs of patients.

Advantages of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET):

• No ovarian stimulation: frozen embryo transfer gives time to body for its recovery from ovarian stimulation which makes it less taxing on body and eliminates the risk of OHSS.
• Higher success rates in some cases: Frozen embryos have higher success rates for its implantation compared to fresh transfers in several cases. The main reason followed by this is that such embryos are already developed and are quite viable and mature.
• Flexibility: if you have opted for frozen embryos, you have higher flexibility to go for another trial as you don’t have to go through the process of egg retrieval in this.
• Better embryo quality: the process of freezing and thawing helps in extracting out the lower-quality embryos in a few cases. It helps you to have higher quality embryos that enable you to have better chances of successful implantation.

Disadvantages of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET):

• Longer wait time: the waiting time is long as the embryo transfer is carried in a separate cycle which makes it longer time to wait before attempting implantation.
• Thawing complications: these complications are very rare in few cases, as some risks are associated with the thawing process of embryos. Here, some embryos might not be able to survive the process.
• More cycles required: If the embryo doesn’t implant on the first attempt, you may need to go through more transfer cycles, although these are generally less invasive than fresh cycles.

Which is Better for You?

The decision to opt for a Frozen Embryo Transfer vs Fresh IVF or  depends largely on individual circumstances. Here are some factors that may influence your decision:

1. Health and ovarian reserve: the decision is based on your age and ovarian reserve. If you have a healthy ovarian reserve and are young enough, a fresh IVF cycle will suit you best. Whereas, if your ovarian reserve is low or you have undergone some previous IVF cycles with diminished egg quality, frozen embryo transfer will provide you with a better outcome.
2. Risk of OHSS: If you are prone to OHSS or at risk for hyperstimulation syndrome due to your response to stimulation, frozen embryo transfer would be a safer option for you.
3. Emotional and physical readiness: As we already read, fresh cycles are intense and require physical and emotional commitment. Whereas, FET does not allow you to indulge in such a way. So if you are ready physically and emotionally, the choice lies in your hands.
4. Previous IVF outcomes: if you have undergone an IVF cycle previously, it can result in excess embryos. For this, FET would be a great option as those embryos could be utlised and you don’t have to go through another process of stimulation.
5. Success rates: Research shows that FET often leads to higher pregnancy and live birth rates for many women, especially those who have had multiple embryos retrieved in a previous cycle. However, success rates vary by individual.

Final Thoughts

The choice lies in your hands as both approaches either Fresh Cycle IVF or Frozen Embryo Transfer are adopted to acquire pregnancy. As both are somehow different and catering to specific needs as per the situation it has to be considered accordingly.

While fresh cycles can be faster, they might not always be the best choice for women who are at risk for complications or need more time to recover. FET provides a more relaxed approach, with fewer risks and a potential for higher success rates in some cases, especially if you have high-quality embryos from a previous cycle.

The choice depends on you as your best choice depends on your fertility history, health, and treatment goals. At Parihar IVF, you can work closely with our specialists so that you get a better understanding of your health and make an informed decision. It ensures that the decision aligns with your needs and expectations while maximizing the chances of success.