J H Check1, B Katsoff, C Wilson, J K Choe, D Brasile. 1. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Camden, NJ, USA. laurie@ccivf.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare pregnancy rates following fresh vs frozen embryo transfer into gestational carriers. METHODS: Choice of deferring fresh embryo transfer and cryopreserving the embryos vs fresh transfers was not randomized but based on circumstances. The cryopreservation protocol used a simplified slow cool technique avoiding the planar programmable freezer and using a one-step removal of the cryoprotectant. RESULTS: The live delivered pregnancy rate was 51.0% (49/96) for fresh embryo transfer vs 34.3% for transfers of frozen thawed embryos in gestational carriers not having a fresh embryo first. CONCLUSIONS: Using the simplified slow cool cryopreservation protocol with a one-step removal of cryoprotectants pregnancy rates are comparable to what is found in women of similar ages undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation followed by IVF-ET. However, when transferring to a gestational carrier the live delivered pregnancy rates are 50% higher with fresh embryo transfer.
PURPOSE: To compare pregnancy rates following fresh vs frozen embryo transfer into gestational carriers. METHODS: Choice of deferring fresh embryo transfer and cryopreserving the embryos vs fresh transfers was not randomized but based on circumstances. The cryopreservation protocol used a simplified slow cool technique avoiding the planar programmable freezer and using a one-step removal of the cryoprotectant. RESULTS: The live delivered pregnancy rate was 51.0% (49/96) for fresh embryo transfer vs 34.3% for transfers of frozen thawed embryos in gestational carriers not having a fresh embryo first. CONCLUSIONS: Using the simplified slow cool cryopreservation protocol with a one-step removal of cryoprotectants pregnancy rates are comparable to what is found in women of similar ages undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation followed by IVF-ET. However, when transferring to a gestational carrier the live delivered pregnancy rates are 50% higher with fresh embryo transfer.