In the clinic of the fertility center, you can hear the question almost every day: "Doctor, should I transfer fresh embryos or freeze embryos? "
For families who are making test tubes, this choice is really too difficult-on the one hand, fresh embryos are "freshly baked", and the cell vitality seems to be better; on the other hand, frozen embryos give the body time to recover, and the success rate data seems to be better. How should I choose?Today, we will thoroughly explain this issue from a medical perspective.
1. What is a fresh embryo?
,?What is frozen embryos?
Fresh embryo transfer
Simply put, fresh embryos are directly transferred into the mother's uterus on the 3rd day (cleavage stage embryos) or on the 5th-6th day (blastocyst) after egg retrieval without going through the freezing process.
In simple terms, it involves transferring the fresh embryo directly into the mother’s uterus on the 3rd day after egg retrieval (during the cleavage stage of the embryo), or on the 5th–6th day (when the embryo has developed into a blastocyst). This process does not involve any freezing steps beforehand.
-Eliminate freezing and thawing processes and reduce embryomanipulation
-The embryo is "fresh" and theoretically the cell vitality is better
-The overall treatment cycle is shorter, only 3-6 days from egg retrieval to transplantation
-The cost is relatively lower and there is no need to pay for embryo cryopreservation
●Disadvantages
-Hormone levels in women may be unstable after egg retrieval, and endometrial receptivity may not beappropriate
-If more oocytes are taken, there may be a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be exacerbated by pregnancy after transplantation
-Ovulation promotion drugs may affect the endometrial environment and are not conducive to embryo implantation
Frozen embryotransfer
The embryos are cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at-196 ° C, and the woman's body returns to a suitable state before thawing the embryos for transfer.
The embryo is cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Once the woman’s body has returned to a suitable state, the embryo can be thawed and transplanted.
-There is enough time for the woman's body to recover from egg retrievalsurgery
-Can regulate the endometrium to an appropriate state
-Avoid the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), as elevated HCG can aggravate OHSS if pregnant
-Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can be performed to screen for healthy embryos
-If your physical condition is not good during this cycle, you can freeze it first and then transplant it when conditions are ripe later
●Disadvantages
-The treatment cycle is longer and usually takes 2-3months
-Need to pay for cryopreservation and thawing of embryos
-Although modern vitrification technology is very mature, there is still a small risk of embryo damage in theory
-Need to wait, which may be a kind of torture for anxious families

2. Fresh embryos VS frozen embryos

This is the issue that everyone is most concerned about.
.According to a large number of clinical research data at home and abroad: Overall,
Whyis this happening? The main reason is that during frozen embryo transfer, the woman's body has recovered from ovulation promotion and egg retrieval, the endometrial receptivity is better, and the body's hormone level is more stable, which is more conducive to embryo implantation and development.
:,,.For example, for young women with good ovarian function, few egg retrieval, and good endometrial conditions, the success rate of fresh embryo transfer may not be worse than that of frozen embryos.
3. How should I choose?
,?5 judgment criteria for fertility doctors
Thereis no absolute "better", only "more suitable". Doctors usually make comprehensive judgments based on the following five aspects
1. Number of oocytes retrieved and estrogen levels
-If the number of eggs retrieved is large (>15), the estrogen level is too high, and the risk of OHSS is high, frozen embryo transfer is recommended
-If the number of eggs retrieved is moderate (5-15) and estrogen levels are normal, fresh embryo transfer can be considered
2. Endometrial conditions
-If the endometrial thickness is moderate (8-12mm) and shape is good, fresh embryo transfer may be considered
-If the endometrium is thin (<7mm), thick (>14mm), or there are problems such as polyps and adhesions, it is recommended to freeze the embryo first, condition the endometrium before transplanting
3. physical condition
-If the body recovers well after egg retrieval and there is no obvious discomfort, fresh embryo transfer can be considered
-If abdominal distension, abdominal pain, or other discomfort is obvious after egg retrieval, frozen embryo transfer is recommended
4. Embryo quality and quantity
-If the embryos are of good quality and sufficient quantity, fresh embryo transfer can be considered
-If PGT (third-generation test tube) is needed, the embryos must be frozen because testing takes time
5. Personal will and schedule
-If you want to complete treatment as soon as possible, consider fresh embryo transfer
-If time is flexible and you are willing to wait for your body to return to a suitable state, freezing embryos is a safer choice
4. It is equally good to be pregnant
Case 1: Xiao Wang, 28 years old, successfully transplanted fresh embryos once
Xiao Wang was young and had good ovarian function. Twelve eggs were taken and made into 8 embryos with a 10mm endometrium and a good shape. The doctor recommended fresh embryo transplantation. The pregnancy test was successful on the 12th day of transplantation. The baby is now 1 year old.
Ms. Li took 20 eggs, and the estrogen level was very high. The doctor was worried about the risk of OHSS and recommended freezing whole embryos.
20,,OHSS,.After 2 months of conditioning, the endometrial conditions were perfect, and a 4AA blastocyst was transplanted, and the pregnancy was successful.
5. No matter which one you choose, you must pay attention to these 4 points

Whether you choose fresh embryos or frozen embryos, the following four points are crucial
1.
1. Follow your doctor's advice and don't blindly follow suit
Everyone's physical condition is different, and what is suitable for others may not be suitable for you. Trust your attending doctor and they will give professional advice based on your specific situation.
2. Maintain a good attitude and don't be overly anxious
Anxiety affects endocrine, but is not conducive to embryo implantation. No matter which method you choose, maintaining a relaxed and happy mood is the most important thing.
3. Regulate your body before transplantation
-Eat reasonably to ensure balanced nutrition
-Regulate work and rest to avoid staying up late
-Moderate exercise to enhance your physique
-Supplement folic acid and vitamins
4. Medication and review as prescribed after transplantation
After transplantation, luteal support drugs must be used strictly in accordance with the doctor's instructions, re-examined on time, and do not stop or change the drug without authorization.
As a professional domestic and foreign medical consulting service organization, Lelaiwa Consulting Service Center has seen too many different cases of assisted pregnancy.
,.Our suggestion is: If conditions permit, priority should be given to frozen embryo transfer. because
-The body recovers more fully and the endometrium is more receptivegood
-Avoid OHSS risks and be safer
-More time to regulate your physical and mental state
-PGT screening can be performed (if required)
-Clinical data show slightly higher success rates
Ofcourse, if your physical condition is very suitable for fresh embryo transfer, you don't have to wait deliberately. The most important thing is to make the most appropriate choice according to your own situation and under the guidance of your doctor.
There is no absolute right or wrong between fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer, only whether it is suitable or not.
,,.No matter which method you choose, you must remember that a scientific treatment plan, a good physical condition, and a relaxed mood are the keys to a good pregnancy. Don't be overly entangled because of your choices. Trust your doctor and believe in yourself. Every path leads to a good pregnancy.