Frozen Embryos, Fresh Embryos, and Pregnancy Rates
Recent data demonstrates that cryopreserved (frozen) embryos may have a greater chance of producing a pregnancy than fresh embryos. The possible reasons for this are many:
(1) The hormone levels associated with an IVF cycle are much higher than what is experienced during a natural cycle. Whereas the hormone levels seen during a frozen cycle are more physiologic (more natural).
(2) The uterus and the endometrium of the uterine cavity may be more synchronized with the embryo development in a frozen cycle.
(3) We cryopreserve only the best embryos that have developed to the blastocyst stage. At this stage the embryos have a very good reproductive potential.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights what we are the Fertility Institute of Hawaii have been doing for a long time. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443862604578030600949336888.html
The Fertility Institute of Hawaii has always strived to maximize each patient’s IVF cycle. This means that with each visit several things are evaluated including hormone levels, endometrial/uterine development, and follicular response to the medications. The protocol/medications are adjusted in order to produce the best possible outcome. If during the cycle any of the parameters are different than what is expected for the individual, the cycle may be modified. If the endometrial/uterine response or progesterone level is abnormal, proceeding with the egg retrieval, fertilizing the eggs, freezing the embryos, and performing a frozen-thawed embryo transfer in the future is best.