IVF using frozen eggs associated with lower live birth rates

Abstract

This study used data from the 2013 annual report of US in vitro fertilization center outcomes published by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology to compare live birth and cycle cancellation rates using either fresh or cryopreserved donor oocytes.

Use of oocytes donated for in vitro fertilization (IVF) has increased in recent years. Donated fresh oocytes traditionally have been used immediately, creating embryos for transfer into the uterus, with extra embryos being cryopreserved for later use.

In January 2013, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine declared the technique of oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) no longer experimental, although it called for “more widespread clinic-specific data on the safety and efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation … before universal donor oocyte banking can be recommended.” Based on data that IVF outcomes with cryopreserved and fresh donor oocytes are comparable, some IVF centers established frozen donor egg banks. However, data reflecting IVF outcomes in routine clinical practice with cryopreserved donor oocytes had not previously been published, according to background information in the article.

Sources and more information

• Outcomes of Fresh and Cryopreserved Oocyte Donation, JAMA. 2015;314(6):623-624. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.7556, articleid=2425734, August 11, 2015.
• In vitro fertilization using frozen eggs associated with lower live birth rates, MedicalXpress, August 11, 2015.
• Frozen Donor Eggs May Lead to Fewer Births Than Fresh Ones, HealthDay, Aug. 11, 2015.