Month: September 2015

Is it successful the frozen embryo transfer?

Last modified: December 4, 2021
There are studies suggesting a higher implantation rate with frozen embryo transfer

There are studies suggesting a higher implantation rate with frozen embryo transfer

Since the first live births following cryopreserved human embryo transfer were announced in 1984 and 1985, the use of frozen embryo replacement has increased worldwide. Since that time, the original protocols have been modified and developed such that cryopreservation may lead to successful survival of up to 80% of the embryos frozen.

The last decade has witnessed a dramatic improvement in frozen embryo transfer and successful IVF rates. The size of the improvement has now lead to equal pregnancy rates for frozen/thawed and fresh embryo transfer as a new report on assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand has announced. More specifically, birth rates have been increased at about 25% in IVF cycles using cryopreserved embryos over the last five years, compared to fresh embryo transfer where birth rates remained steady (23%). The development of rapid freezing techniques, known as vitrification, versus the ‘’older’’ slow freezing technique has greatly contributed to that improved outcome.

Unsurprisingly, the report also found that in the five years leading up to 2013 the percentage of frozen embryos used in IVF cycles has increased from 39% to 45%. This is probably due to the fact cryopreservation increases the total reproductive potential of assisted reproductive technology, expanding the treatment options for the patients.
As previously mentioned, results obtained with cryopreserved embryos are as good as those obtained when transferring fresh embryos. However there are studies suggesting a higher implantation rate with frozen embryo transfer. This could possibly be explained by the fact that pregnancies following a frozen embryo transfer are more similar to natural conception pregnancies than fresh embryo transfer cycles.

Would you go for a frozen embryo transfer

on the advice of your doctor?

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10 IVF myths

Last modified: December 4, 2021
IVF-myths

Many people think of IVF as the answer to all infertility problems

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as an infertility treatment could not but be accompanied by its fair share of myths.The contribution of IVF and generally Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in the rapidly growing field of
medical technologies and healthcare services, available for disease treatment and life quality enhancement, is undoubtedly unique.

There are studies suggesting a higher implantation rate with frozen embryo transfer

However, many people think of IVF as the answer to all infertility problems. Others believe that IVF is a treatment of high cost, affordable only for a small number of people such as business people or movie stars.

Here is a list of most commonly believed IVF myths:

Myth #1: IVF always results in multiple pregnancies like twins or higher-order multiples

FALSE: The risk for a multiple pregnancy can be decreased by reducing the number of embryos transferred, especially in young women.

Myth #2: Patients undertaking an IVF cycle have no control over the outcome of the treatment

FALSE: The success rate of an IVF cycle is highly dependent on a thorough evaluation of the couple and a careful coordination of both a medical and a scientific approach for each couple. There are a number of things IVF specialists have to deal with in order to optimize the chances of a pregnancy such as ovarian stimulation monitoring and timing of oocyte retrieval.

Myth #3: IVF is the answer to all infertility problems

FALSE: Depending on the case of infertility for each patient there are more options for treatment like Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) and ovulation induction (OI) with medications.

Myth #4: IVF is only for wealthy people

FALSE: Though the cost of IVF is not low, it is not less affordable than some major procedures like heart surgery or joint replacement.

Myth #5: IVF increases women’s fertility

FALSE: Technically, IVF does the opposite. The hormones that are taken at the beginning of a cycle are made to stop a woman’s natural fertility process. Then the next round of hormones creates a synthetic cycle for optimizing the chances of pregnancy.

Myth #6: IVF babies have a significantly high risk of birth defects and malformations

FALSE: Even though some evidence seem to indicate that there may be some increased risk for birth defects in babies born through IVF, current studies suggest that the difference in the incidence of birth defects between naturally conceived  and IVF babies is not high significant.

Myth #7: IVF requires admission in the hospital

FALSE: It does not require overnight admission.  It is an out-patient treatment.

Myth #8: IVF is the last resort for infertile couples

FALSE: IVF is only one of the options available for infertility treatment, but in cases where IVF is not applicable there are other types of Assisted Reproductive Technology that work for patients like egg donor, sperm donor or surrogate.

Myth #9: Insurance covers IVF costs

FALSE: Usually there is no fertility insurance coverage but it is advisable to check with the insurance company before starting an IVF treatment.

Myth #10: IVF is successful in all cases

FALSE: Unfortunately this is not true; IVF is successful in up to 40% of cases. Multiple factors contribute to IVF success rates including the age of the woman.

Any more IVF myths to add?

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