Assisted reproduction techniques have improved over time, which means that nowadays we can try to obtain as many embryos as possible to improve the chances of success.
However, all the embryos obtained after an IVF cycle cannot be transferred to the patient in the same cycle. For example, in Spain, a common destination for Europeans seeking treatment, the law 14/2006 only allows the transfer of a maximum of 3 embryos. On the other hand, there is a tendency to transfer only one embryo, in order to avoid multiple pregnancies.
In this way, the good quality embryos that are not transferred to the patient's uterus in that first embryo transfer, known as leftover embryos from an IVF cycle, will be cryopreserved.
Read the full article on: What happens to the excess unused embryos after an IVF treatment? ( 80).
By José Luis de Pablo B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (senior clinical embryologist), Patricia Recuerda Tomás B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Rebeca Reus BSc, MSc (embryologist), Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Michelle Lorraine Embleton B.Sc. Ph.D. (biochemist).
Last Update: 09/05/2022
