Fresh v frozen

[Rachie-baby]

After a failed first cycle, we are discussing options for the second.

We have 5 embryos on ice. We get 3 rounds on the NHS and have just been informed we can have a fresh cycle if we want. Previously I was told we had to use our frozen embryos.

The hfea stats show for women under 35 a higher chance of live birth with a fresh transfer. For women 36-37 it is the other way round, largely because women is this bracket are using better eggs frozen when they were younger.

I am 36, but the consultant said our chances were better with fresh. I have a good AMH, so perhaps he was indicating that I have the eggs of an under 35 year old!

Really unsure what to do...go fresh or go frozen.

If we go fresh, we could stack up more embryos in the freezer for round 3 (and possibly to take privately if needed).

If we go frozen, we have to decide whether to put one blastocyst or two in, and how many to thaw.

So many decisions. Any advice???

[aamiller405]

Hiya..we had to make a similar decision recently on whether to do another fresh or go for frozen. We had a fresh but no transfer, one FET which resulted in BFP and we have 6 embryos left.

We made a list of pros and cons to weigh up our options and we decided to stick with frozen. That's not the right decision for everyone but its the right one for us xox

[HollyT7]

Were 32 and had a bfp with our first fesh (ended in cp) and bfp with our first frozen (lot less harsh cycle) xx

[sarahJE]

Hello,

You’ve got to do what feels right for you, but my experience for what it’s worth has been fresh cycle ended in miscarriage, then failed frozen, then successful frozen with two day 5 blastocyst embryos transferred. We had 9 day 5 good quality blastocyst embryos after egg collection last year, when I was 34. I am currently 14 weeks pregnant and we have 4 embryos left in the freezer. One was used on the fresh transfer, one on the first FET and then on this last cycle, two were put in, but one embryo didn’t survive the thaw so 3 were used up in total. I was under the impression that FETs had a better success rate and that some private clinics only do FET and not fresh . But as you’ve said, maybe it varies depending on age. Best of luck whatever you decide! X

[Kat9lives]

Whilst you have it on the NHS I would go for fresh. Hypothetically, if your frozen embies weren't to work that leaves you back at square one. Another fresh gives you more options and if privately funded its around £6.5k per cycle for us now (inc drugs). The frozen even with storage is much less. Just a practical view xx

[GraceFace]

Personally I’d go for a fresh transfer...you’ll still have your Frosties anyway x

[kitscat]

I think i would go fresh and store up on the frozen embryos. We have one on ice after our failed ICSI in April. We are prob going to do another cycle soon but I will go with ICSI again rather than a FET. I’m 33 and I’d rather store up some frozen embryos for the future. I always wanted 3 children but this just feels like such a far away dream now. Xx

[Kitcat12]

It's quite a tricky decision! I wasn't given the option of a second fresh cycle until all frozen embryos were used, we fell pregnant on my fresh transfer but sadly MC at 6 weeks and now I'm 23 weeks pregnant following a FET of 2 blastocysts so I am biased towards a FET. Also, if you already have 5 frosties you could use first, that might help keep the cost of your treatment right down for the NHS, as FETs are a lot cheaper than fresh cycles and you may find you don't need the 2nd full cycle xx