Cryopreservation as a tool to reduce multiple birth.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• Embryo cryopreservation is an integral part of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and intracytoplascial sperm injection (ICSI).
• Its role in preventing multiple pregnancies, particularly twins, is often underestimated.
• Current evaluation systems may not fully capture the reproductive potential augmentation offered by cryopreservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the potential of embryo cryopreservation in preventing multiple pregnancies.
• To evaluate the true augmenting effect of cryopreservation on the reproductive potential of oocyte harvests.
• To highlight the need for improved cryopreservation efficacy and integration with single-embryo transfer.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cryopreservation efficacy and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.
• Evaluation of cryopregnancies following unsuccessful fresh cycles and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles.
• Assessment of the potential benefits of combining elective single-embryo transfer with cryopreservation.

Main Results:

• Cryopreservation efficacy is suboptimal, with survival rates ranging from 30% to 70%.
• Increased application of single-embryo transfer would yield more embryos for cryopreservation, leading to more successful freeze-thaw cycles.
• The augmentation potential of cryopreservation is greater than commonly perceived.

Conclusions:

• Embryo cryopreservation is a vital tool for preventing multiple pregnancies in IVF/ICSI.
• Optimizing cryopreservation programs and increasing the use of elective single-embryo transfer are crucial.
• The combination of these strategies is likely to become standard practice for routine IVF/ICSI treatment.