Cryopreservation and delayed embryo transfer-assisted reproductive technology registry and reporting implications

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Public Health Reporting
• Data Analytics

Background:

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics have reported pregnancy outcomes for over 25 years.
• Frozen embryo transfer (FET) now constitutes a significant portion of ART live births.
• Historically, cycles for fertility preservation or short-term cryopreservation were excluded from public outcome reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the transparency and comprehensiveness of public ART outcome reporting.
• To include cycles with intentional short-term embryo cryopreservation for reasons beyond fertility preservation.
• To ensure accurate reporting of live birth rates from ART procedures.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative effort between the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Linking FET cycles to their originating ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval procedures.
• Modifying outcome success metrics to define a positive result as a live birth from the first embryo transfer post-stimulation.

Main Results:

• ART cycles initiated for embryo banking or short-term cryopreservation with delayed transfer will now be included in public reports.
• The definition of a successful outcome is standardized to live birth from the primary transfer.
• New linkage methods enable development of additional success metrics for fertility patients.

Conclusions:

• Public reporting of ART outcomes is now more inclusive, reflecting current practices.
• The updated reporting methodology provides a clearer picture of ART success rates.
• Improved data linkage facilitates further research and patient benefit in fertility treatments.