A successful IVF cycle is dependent not just on having good quality embryos, but also on a successful implantation in the uterus. More and more fertility clinics are recommending frozen embryo transfer (FET) over fresh transfers – meaning that the transfer is delayed by at least one cycle post egg-retrieval/fertilization – given higher success rates and more advanced technologies that preserve the embryo as it freezes and thaws.
A new study from Iran has looked into whether frozen or fresh transfer have higher success rates for women with endometriosis – an estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
The study found that having a “wash out” period after egg retrieval with a frozen embryo transfer improved pregnancy rate and live birth rate. This is assumed to be because a fresh transfer is done in a stimulated cycle – where high levels of estrogen are used to stimulate a high yield egg retrieval. This estrogen likely causes endometriosis to flare and decreases endometrial acceptance and implantation. A frozen transfer uses lower levels of hormones, and thus allows for the stimulation meds to have left the body in time to thaw and transfer the embryo.
More good evidence for giving the body time to recover after egg retrieval!
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Hosseinimousa, S. et al. (2023). Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in two methods of frozen and fresh embryo transfer in infertile women with endometriosis. Research Square.