What is the embryo pool method?
Embryo pool method is the process of performing more than one egg collection (OPU) and freezing the embryos obtained in this way. Frozen embryos can then be thawed and transferred into the uterus.
What is an embryo pool?
embryo poolIt is the process of performing multiple egg collection (OPU) in IVF treatment and freezing the embryos obtained in this way. Frozen embryos can then be thawed and transferred into the uterus.
embryo pool, ovarian reserve is low which is or recurrent ivf treatment failure It may be useful for women living This method increases the chance of having more than one embryo, which increases the chances of pregnancy.
Embryo Pool
method
Embryo Pool Method
Embryo pool method is the process of performing multiple egg collection (OPU) and freezing the embryos obtained in this way. Frozen embryos can then be thawed and transferred into the uterus.
How to create an embryo pool?
The following steps are followed to create an embryo pool:
- Egg retrieval process (OPU): The woman's ovaries are stimulated with hormone therapy and the matured eggs are collected from the vagina.
- Fertilization: The collected eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm taken from the father.
- Embryo culture: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are developed in a laboratory incubator for several days.
- Embryo freezing: High-quality embryos are frozen using a special freezing method called vitrification.
How to create an embryo pool?
The following steps are followed to create an embryo pool:
- Egg retrieval process (OPU): The woman's ovaries are stimulated with hormone therapy and the matured eggs are collected from the vagina.
- Fertilization: The collected eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm taken from the father.
- Embryo culture: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are developed in a laboratory incubator for several days.
- Embryo freezing: High-quality embryos are frozen using a special freezing method called vitrification.
When to use an embryo pool?
Embryo pooling can be used in the following cases:
- Women with low ovarian reserve: In women with low ovarian reserve, it may be difficult to obtain a sufficient number of embryos with a single OPU. Embryo pooling offers the opportunity to obtain more embryos with multiple OPUs.
- Recurrent ivf treatment failure: In women who have had unsuccessful results from IVF treatment in the past, the chance of pregnancy can be increased with embryo pooling.
- Genetic screening: Couples with genetic diseases can undergo genetic screening before transferring embryos. The embryo pool offers more embryo options for this process.
Ethical concerns regarding embryo pooling
There are also some ethical concerns regarding embryo pooling. Some of these concerns include:
- Excess embryo production: Embryo pooling may lead to overproduction of embryos. What will happen to the excess embryos should be decided by the couple. While some couples choose to continue freezing their embryos, other couples may decide to research or donate their embryos.
- Embryo freezing costs: Embryo freezing can be an expensive procedure. This may not make the embryo pooling method accessible to all couples.
Generally, the highest quality embryos are frozen.
- Regular and symmetrical cell division: High-quality embryos have cells that divide at a regular rate and have a symmetrical appearance.
- Sufficient cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the substance that surrounds the nucleus of the cell. High-quality embryos have sufficient cytoplasm for cells to grow and develop.
- Transparent zona pellucida: Zona pellucida is the protective layer around the embryo. In high-quality embryos, the zona pellucida is clear and intact.
- Inner cell mass (ICM): ICM is the part of the embryo that contains the cells that will lead to pregnancy. In high-quality embryos, the ICM is well defined and clearly visible.
The quality of embryos that can be frozen is evaluated by embryologists according to the following criteria.
- Number of days: Embryos are usually evaluated by the number of days after fertilization. Embryos that have reached the blastocyst stage on the 5th or 6th day are the most suitable embryos for freezing.
- Number of cells: Embryos with more cells are generally considered to be of higher quality than embryos with fewer cells.
- Nuclear fragmentation: Nuclear fragmentation is a condition in which the nucleus is damaged. Embryos with nuclear fragmentation are generally considered to be of lower quality.
- Vacuoles: Vacuoles are fluid-filled sacs located in the cytoplasm. Embryos with a large number of vacuoles are generally considered to be of lower quality.
Not all embryos are suitable for freezing. Some embryos may not be suitable for freezing due to abnormalities or damage to their development. The selection of embryos to be frozen should be made carefully by embryologists.
Pregnancy rates of frozen embryos after thawing are comparable to fresh embryos. Therefore, embryo pooling can be an effective method to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Advantages of the Embryo Pool Method
- Increases the chances of pregnancy by: The embryo pool increases the chance of pregnancy by providing the opportunity to obtain more than one embryo.
- Reduces the need for repeated IVF treatments: If a sufficient number of frozen embryos are available, the need for repeated IVF treatment is reduced.
- It offers the opportunity to select genetically healthy embryos: Couples with genetic diseases can undergo genetic screening before transferring embryos.
- Reduces psychological stress: Embryo pooling offers the chance to become pregnant without the stress of obtaining enough embryos at each IVF attempt.
Disadvantages of the Embryo Pool Method
- It costs more: Embryo freezing and storage may create additional costs.
- It may lead to excess embryo production: What happens to excess embryos can create an ethical dilemma.
- Not all embryos can be frozen: Some embryos may not be suitable for freezing.
How many embryos are transferred?
In which week does the embryo settle in the uterus?
How long is the embryo frozen?
When is the embryo transferred?
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What should be taken into consideration after embryo transfer?
