New fertility research examines impact of changing protocols after failed frozen embryo transfer
DENVER October 21, 2024 — A new study led by US Fertility’s research team provides valuable insights for patients and clinicians considering their options after an unsuccessful frozen embryo transfer (FET). The research, presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, reveals that changing the protocol for endometrial preparation after a failed FET does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes.
“Our findings suggest that for patients who experience a failed programmed FET, continuing with the same protocol or switching to a natural FET does not make a notable difference in terms of live birth outcomes,” shares Jennifer Chae-Kim, M.D., lead author of the study and SGF Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. “Similarly, there was no difference in live birth for patients who failed a natural FET and switched to a programmed FET or repeated a natural FET. This is crucial information for patients and fertility specialists when making decisions about the next steps after a failed transfer.”
The study, which involved a comprehensive analysis of over 17,000 cycles, aimed to determine whether changing the FET protocol leads to higher live birth rates for patients who did not achieve a live birth after their initial FET. Contrary to their hypothesis, the research found no statistically significant difference in live birth rates between those who repeated the programmed FET and those who switched to a natural FET.
“This study reinforces the importance of individualized care in fertility treatment,” added Benjamin Harris, M.D., co-author of the study and medical director of SGF Southern Virginia. “While the overall results indicate no statistically significant benefit in changing protocols, the subgroup analysis suggests that there may be scenarios where a different protocol could offer better outcomes. More research is needed, but this finding could help refine treatment options for some patients.”
For patients facing the challenging decision of what to do after a failed embryo transfer, this study provides reassurance that continuing with the same embryo transfer protocol or trying a different protocol may both be viable options, with no clear evidence favoring one over the other.
Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients.
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