Maximizing IVF-ET efficiency and outcome through embryo cryopreservation

Many infertility clinics presently emphasize embryo selection methods in order to maximize pregnancy rates following fresh embryo transfers. Although this invariably permits a modest enhancement of implantation rates, the efficiency of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) may not be maximized as deselected embryos are either not cryopreserved or are cryopreserved at suboptimal stages. Our IVF-ET program has recently shifted emphasis away from focusing solely on fresh embryo transfer results in order to achieve maximal cycle fecundity through embryo cryopreservation and the efficient utilization of embryos. In this report, we report on the clinical outcomes as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.