What is Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates?

While both fresh and frozen embryo transfers have been successful in their own way and depending on the condition of the patient & their needs doctors prescribe either one of the two modes – overall data suggests that frozen embryo transfers are slightly more successful than fresh ones. However, that alone is not the only parameter to arrive at a decision, as many across the field of fertility continue to debate the issue with vigor.

Each case is required to be ascertained on its own merit, and several experts warn against formulating a generic view. There are primarily two main factors that determine the success or failure of the embryo transfer – quality of embryos and the receptibility of the uterus.

In the past, before the advent of vitrification, the process of freezing the embryo was too slow and too ineffective. It did more harm than good to the embryo and therefore it was an overwhelmingly better choice to go for fresh embryo transfers. However, this has changed considerably now, and it is now possible to freeze the embryo a lot more efficiently and without compromising the quality.

The uterine receptivity or uterine quality plays an equal role in the success or failure of the embryo transfer. The medications prescribed had a propensity in the past made it difficult for doctors to prepare the embryo simultaneously as the eggs had been harvested, while this has now changed considerably, it is important to underline that it is best to take a patient-specific view on this rather than formulate blanket opinions.

Reproductive medicine specialists continue to advise patients based on a variety of factors: age, stimulation response, and ovulatory versus anovulatory status into account to make the recommendation that’s best for each patient.