Cryoprotocol is called a delayed transfer of embryos, which were frozen after cultivation.
How effective is the cryoprotocol?
The effectiveness of cryoprotocols, in general, is comparable to the frequency of pregnancy after embryo transfer in “fresh” cycles and reaches 50% or more.
In addition, according to the recent studies, it was found that the children’s health born after cryotransfer is better than after the standard protocol. It happens because premature births are less likely and fewer children are born with low body weight.
However, it was found out that after a cryoprotocol, a pregnant woman has a risk of increasing blood pressure, as well as the birth of a large fetus.
When is embryos cryopreservation needed?
It is far from always necessary to freeze all your embryos, although the trend of “freeze all” is gaining momentum.
It is recommended if the woman has contraindications for embryo transfer in the standard protocol or if a genetic analysis of the embryos is necessary, as well as if the embryos remained after the IVF protocol in a “fresh” cycle.
What are the indications for the cryoprotocol?
- Women with a high risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS);
- If necessary, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD);
- With "thin" endometrium and other pathology that arose at the transfer time;
- With hormonal abnormalities that occurred during the stimulation of ovulation;
- If there are any contraindications to embryo transfer in the “fresh” cycle, for example, acute respiratory disease (ARVI).
How is a cryoprotocol carried out?
There are several options for carrying out a cryoprotocol:
- In the natural cycle. As a rule, it is used for women with preserved ovulation and normal endometrium thickness in accordance with the phase of the menstrual cycle. At the same time, from the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the growth of the dominant follicle is monitored by ultrasound, after ovulation, progesterone preparations are prescribed to support the luteal phase, and 5-6 days after ovulation, the embryos are transferred to the uterine cavity.
- In the protocol with HRT. If a woman has insufficient thickness of the endometrium (8 mm or less), does not have her own ovulation, has an irregular menstrual cycle, then according to a certain scheme, she is prescribed hormonal drugs to build up the endometrium, create an artificial hormonal background, or even an artificial menstrual cycle, necessary for pregnancy. Embryo transfer is carried out on the 6th day after the appointment of progesterone preparations.
The type of protocol, the schemes of hormonal preparations and their dosages are selected by the reproductologist only after analyzing each specific situation.
What to do after cryotransfer?
Usually, implantation of the fetal egg into the uterus takes place in 24–40 hours after embryo transfer, however, it is impossible to control and feel this moment, so you need to be patient for 10-14 days.
After embryo transfer to obtain hCG results, it is recommended:
- To maintain a normal lifestyle, bed rest does not increase the frequency of pregnancy;
- Eliminate intense physical activity and sexual life;
- Follow the drinking regime (1.5-2 liters of water per day) and enjoy a healthy balanced diet (lots of vegetables, fruits, enough meat and fish, exclude smoked, fatty, fried food);
- Do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, drugs and any medicines without the recommendation of a doctor;
- If there are complaints of spotting from the genital tract, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, you should immediately contact your doctor.
