It was long believed that the use of fresh embryos proves highly successful in conceiving. However, a new study suggests that the use of frozen embryos over fresh embryos may be more beneficial in some cases of women seeking infertility treatment.
The study involved women with a common fertility disorder called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by the presence of enlarged ovaries due to hormonal imbalance. According to Chicago Tribune, the researchers have discovered that the chances of pregnancy in such women seeking infertility treatment are more when frozen embryos are used in place of fresh embryos.
During the study, the researchers found that 49 percent women with PCOS were successfully able to conceive a baby on the first attempt when a frozen embryo was implanted. On the other hand, only 42 percent of women were able to conceive on the first attempt when a fresh embryo was used for implantation purpose.
On the flip side, the researchers found that there were more chances of newborn death and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy when frozen embryos were used, as compared to when the fresh embryos were used.
Typically, fresh embryos are preferred over frozen embryos for the purpose of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, it has long been argued that the use of frozen embryos improves the birth rate in women who suffer from PCOS. In addition, it may also reduce the risk of the complication that occurs during pregnancy and the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Lead researcher Dr. Richard Legro of the Pennsylvania State University believes that ovarian stimulation, which is practiced in case of fresh embryos may have adverse effects on the health of the woman in question. During IVF, the ovaries are treated with hormones to accelerate the production of eggs and the researchers suspect that it may adversely affect the rate of embryo implantation.
For example, the levels of estrogen are 10 times more in the case of IVF than during normal ovarian stimulation. Such conditions may hamper the implantation of the growing embryo and in turn, affect the rate of IVF success.
