Different IVF Cycle Plans and What They Mean for Your IVF Journey
When you begin your IVF (in vitro fertilization) journey, one of the first things your fertility doctor will discuss is the IVF cycle plan that best suits your needs. IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and depending on your specific circumstances, there are several IVF cycle plans available. These plans will be based on your ovarian reserve, age, medical history, and reproductive goals. Here’s a breakdown of the different IVF cycle plans and how they could shape your IVF journey.
1. Fresh Embryo Transfer (Day 3 or Day 5)
The fresh embryo transfer is the most commonly used IVF cycle plan. After the eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory, embryos are cultured for several days before being transferred into the uterus.
Day 3 Embryo Transfer: In this plan, embryos are transferred on day 3 after fertilization when they are typically 6-8 cells in size. Day 3 transfers are often chosen when fewer embryos are available or when embryos are not progressing to the blastocyst stage. This approach is more traditional but still used by many fertility doctors.
Day 5 Embryo Transfer (Blastocyst Transfer): This method involves allowing embryos to grow to the blastocyst stage (day 5), which gives fertility specialists more insight into embryo quality. At this stage, embryos have developed more and are more likely to implant successfully, as they are closer to the developmental stage needed for pregnancy. Blastocyst transfer has been shown to result in higher success rates compared to day 3 transfers.
Pros: Fresh embryo transfers allow for the immediate use of embryos without the need for freezing, which can be an advantage if your embryos are of good quality and the cycle proceeds smoothly.
Cons: Fresh transfers may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women who respond strongly to ovarian stimulation, and there’s always the chance that embryos may not implant successfully. Another major downside is the inability to do genetic testing. Fresh transfers will not be able to get genetic results back before the transfer. Aneuploid/abnormal embryos are almost guaranteed to fail through failed implantation or spontaneous abortion.
TLDR: Which is better?
2. Cryopreservation (Egg and Embryo Freezing)
Embryo cryopreservation involves freezing embryos for future use. Freezing can be done at different stages: day 3 or day 5. This allows for more flexibility in scheduling embryo transfers and reduces the risk of overstimulation.
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation): Some women choose to freeze their eggs for future use. This is particularly useful for women who are not yet ready to have children or who are undergoing medical treatments (like chemotherapy) that could harm their fertility. By freezing eggs at a younger age, women can preserve their fertility options later in life. The eggs can later be thawed, fertilized, and transferred as embryos.
Day 3 Cryopreservation: In this process, embryos are frozen on day 3 of development. These embryos are frozen early in their development, and this method can be used when the embryos aren’t yet ready to be transferred but have potential for future use.
Day 5 Cryopreservation (Blastocyst Freezing): Freezing embryos on day 5 as blastocysts allow for better embryo selection, as only the healthiest embryos typically reach this stage. Embryos that make it to the blastocyst stage are more likely to lead to successful implantation, resulting in a higher pregnancy rate for future transfers.
Pros: Cryopreservation allows patients to postpone their embryo transfer if needed, giving them time to prepare their bodies for implantation. It also allows for multiple attempts at pregnancy without needing to go through the egg retrieval process again. This is important to note because during the retrieval stimulation, your body may be experiencing high levels of hormones so cryopreservation will give your body a chance to reset and prepare for implantation.
Cons: Not all eggs or embryos will survive the freezing and thawing process, and some may not survive long-term storage, which could reduce the number of viable embryos available for transfer. Freezing may induce some unintended damage and cause unnecessary stress when it is later thawed.
TLDR: Is it safer to freeze eggs or embryos?
2. Abnormal Plans
While most IVF cycles follow a standard protocol, some fertility clinics may offer atypical or less common IVF cycle plans, such as Day 2 fresh transfers or Day 4 cryopreservation. These plans are generally used when a fertility doctor believes that a patient’s specific situation may benefit from a modified approach. At the IVF Kitchen we’ve heard of all sorts of strange plans, but if it works then it works!
Conclusion
There are several IVF cycle plans available, each offering distinct advantages and potential challenges. Whether you are pursuing a fresh embryo transfer, considering embryo freezing for future use, or opting for a Day 5 cryopreservation plan, it’s essential to understand the IVF cycle plan that’s best suited to your needs. Discussing your options with your fertility doctor will help you make the most informed decision based on your individual fertility goals.
“An IVF plan is more than just a schedule—it’s the blueprint for your future. By tailoring the plan to your unique needs, we increase the chances of turning your fertility dreams into reality”
