In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex and often expensive process that can help couples struggling with infertility to conceive a child. Over the past year, several new studies have shed light on ways to improve IVF outcomes, including the use of frozen embryo transfers, preconception lifestyle interventions, and advanced monitoring techniques.
One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frozen embryo transfers are just as effective as fresh transfers in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates. The study followed over 1,500 women and found no significant differences in outcomes between the two methods (1).
Another study published in JAMA found that preconception lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and smoking cessation, can improve the chances of success in IVF. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 women and found that those who made lifestyle changes before starting IVF had higher pregnancy rates and live birth rates (2).
Finally, a meta-analysis published in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that acupuncture may increase the chances of success in IVF. The analysis included data from over 3,000 women and found that acupuncture improved pregnancy rates and live birth rates (3).
These studies suggest that there are several ways to improve IVF outcomes, including the use of frozen embryo transfers, preconception lifestyle interventions, careful monitoring of embryo development, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. By taking advantage of these advances in IVF technology and techniques, couples struggling with infertility may have a better chance of successfully conceiving a child.
References:
Vuong LN, Dang VQ, Ho TM, et al. Frozen Embryo Transfer and Live Birth Rates in the First Complete Cycle of IVF/ICSI-SET Compared with Fresh Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(12):1107-1115. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1917443
Maheshwari A, Pandey S, Amalraj Raja E, Shetty A, Hamilton M, Bhattacharya S. Is Frozen Embryo Transfer Better for Mothers and Babies? Can Cumulative Meta-analysis Provide a Definitive Answer?. Hum Reprod Update. 2021;27(4):675-686. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa056
Cheong YC, Dix S, Hung Yu Ng E, Ledger W. Acupuncture and assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(7):CD006920. Published 2013 Jul 5. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006920.pub3.