Dr. Arian Khorshid, MD

Donor eggs (oocytes) are derived from an individual other than the intended parent(s). This involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), where the recipient uses healthy and fertile donor eggs to conceive. Recipients of donor eggs are often uncertain as to whether they should choose to use fresh or frozen donor eggs, and the differences between the options.  This article explores the pros and cons of using fresh vs. frozen donor eggs.

Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves storing preimplantation-stage embryos that were created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The fast-freeze process, known as vitrification, is done at an extremely low temperature (-196°C or -321°F) to halt embryo development and preserve cellular vitality. Following vitrification, these embryos can be safely cryopreserved for extended periods until they are thawed for transfer back to the uterus (called a frozen embryo transfer).

Cryopreservation is necessary when preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is chosen. Typically, fresh embryos undergo a biopsy before freezing to allow time for the genetic tests to be conducted and results to come back. However, there are cases where patients decide that they want to perform genetic testing of previously frozen embryos. In these circumstances, frozen embryos must be thawed for biopsy, then refrozen until a future date when they might be used. That means the embryos will undergo an additional freeze-thaw round compared to the typical protocol.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition in which the quantity of oocytes left in a female’s ovaries is low, as determined by ovarian reserve testing. This low number might result in infertility for some individuals. In addition, females with DOR going through fertility treatments are at risk of having a poor response to fertility drugs.

Acupuncture is a type of complementary medicine involving the insertion of small needles into specific acupuncture points in the body. It is believed to work by stimulating the nervous system, which can then affect muscles and glands. Fertility acupuncture gained popularity in North American around 2009. Since then, it has been estimated that over 30 percent of females undergoing fertility treatment will access an alternative medical approach such as acupuncture during their treatment.ⁱ

Research of varying quality has been conducted to assess the role of acupuncture in both male and female fertility. Its effectiveness in helping improve fertility, especially with respect to IVF success rates, remains unclear.