Impact of interval after fresh cycle cancellation on first frozen embryo transfer outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) has become an integral component of assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly after cancellation of fresh embryo transfer cycles. However, the optimal timing of FET after fresh cycle cancellation remains unclear, with conflicting evidence as to whether shorter or longer intervals are associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have largely overlooked age-specific effects, despite established differences in endometrial receptivity and ovarian reserve between younger and older women. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the interval from oocyte retrieval to FET and reproductive outcomes after fresh cycle cancellation, stratified by maternal age, to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women undergoing their first FET after cancellation of fresh embryo transfer following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection at a single center between January 2018 and December 2023. Participants were categorized according to the interval from oocyte retrieval to FET: ≤3 months (n = 1,011), 3-6 months (n = 529), and ≥6 months (n = 297). Subgroup analyses were performed by maternal age. The primary outcomes were live birth rate (LBR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and clinical pregnancy loss. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 1,837 women were included. Among women aged <35 years, longer intervals to FET (3-6 months and ≥6 months) were associated with lower odds of clinical pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-1.05 and 0.69; 95% CI, 0.47-1.00, respectively) and live birth (AOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.95 and 0.71; 95% CI, 0.50-1.02, respectively) compared with an interval of ≤3 months. Among women aged 35-40 years, an interval of ≥6 months was associated with a significantly increased risk of clinical pregnancy loss (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.10-3.96).

CONCLUSIONS

In women younger than 35 years, undergoing FET within 3 months after fresh cycle cancellation may be associated with more favorable reproductive outcomes. In women aged 35-40 years, delaying FET for ≥6 months may be associated with an increased risk of clinical pregnancy loss. These findings support an age-stratified approach to FET timing after fresh cycle cancellation.