Frozen blastocyst embryo transfer using a supplemented natural cycle protocol has a similar live birth rate compared to a programmed cycle protocol

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes for a supplemented natural cycle with a programmed cycle protocol for frozen blastocyst transfer. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of frozen autologous blastocyst transfers, at a single academic fertility center (519 supplemented natural cycles and 106 programmed cycles). Implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth and birth weight were compared using Pearson's Chi-squared test, T-test, or Fisher's exact test. Results There was no significant difference between natural and programmed frozen embryo transfers with respect to implantation (21.9 vs. 18.1 %), clinical pregnancy (35.5 vs. 29.2 %), and live birth rates (27.7 vs. 23.6 %). Mean birth weights were also similar between natural and programmed cycles for singletons (3354 vs. 3340 g) and twins (2422 vs. 2294 g) Conclusion Frozen blastocyst embryo transfers using supplemented natural or programmed protocols experience similar success rates. Patient preference should be considered in choosing a protocol.

Preparation of endometrium for frozen embryo replacement cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…There are only two retrospective studies comparing mNC and AC with suppression [53,54]. There appears to be a significant difference favoring mNC regarding clinical pregnancy, which was unexpected.…”

“…A total of two retrospective cohort studies [53,54] with a total of 1174 ET cycles were included. LPS has been administered in the mNC arm in both studies.…”

Impact of method of endometrial preparation for frozen blastocyst transfer on pregnancy outcome: a retrospective cohort study

“…Several studies have strived to evaluate the optimal preparation method for frozen embryo transfers with differing results and many concluding that there is insufficient evidence to support one over the other. (8–18) Several of these reports are limited by methodologic issues including generalizability (such as insufficient women of advanced reproductive age),(18, 19) use of non-blastocyst embryos,(14, 17, 18, 20) use of hCG trigger,(21) and endpoints that do not include live birth. (19, 22) To address these limitations, the objective of this study is to determine if the method of endometrial preparation for transfer of vitrified blastocysts was associated with pregnancy and live birth rates in a large cohort.…”

Reproductive outcomes of vitrified blastocyst transfer in modified natural cycle versus mild hormonally stimulated and artificial protocols: A randomized control trial

“…Artificial cycle regimen is the most common protocol for hormone replacement therapy for endometrium preparation prior to blastocyst transfer. In this routine hormone replacement therapy protocols, the endometrium is induced by exogenously administered estradiol and progesterone ( Veleva et al ., 2013 ; Lathi et al ., 2015 ; Morozov et al ., 2007 ; Wright et al ., 2006 ). Estrogen is used until the endometrial thickness on ultrasound meets approximately 0.8cm ( Singh et al ., 2011 ), then, progesterone initiates according to the stage of blastocyst development.…”