Back in the day, day 3 fresh transfers were the standard protocol in IVF because we believed embryos were better off in their natural environment—the uterus—sooner rather than later. Over the years, however, IVF labs began opting for newer techniques like frozen embryo transfers (FETs) or waiting until embryos reached the day 5 blastocyst stage before transferring. And don’t get me wrong—there are still great cases where these methods apply.
But when we look at the bigger picture, the numbers tell a different story. Despite advancements and the increasing popularity of PGS testing, healthy pregnancy rates have gone down.
Over the past five years, we started predicting a shift. We saw firsthand that protocols like FETs and PGS testing only sometimes delivered on their promises. Now, filming this in 2024, not only are we seeing a resurgence of day 3 fresh embryo transfers, but we’re also finding that pregnancy success rates are improving.
Why We’re Big Fans of Day 3 Fresh Embryo Transfers
For some embryos, there’s simply no better environment than their natural home: your uterus. We liken embryos to children—a metaphor that’s quite spot-on. Just like kids learn, grow, and develop at unique paces, embryos also “grow up” differently.
- Some embryos develop quickly during in-lab culture; others take a slower, more disorganized path.
- However, both types can lead to healthy pregnancies and happy, healthy babies.
Transferring the embryo earlier on day 3 gives it a better chance to thrive in an optimal environment tailored to its unique pace. We love this approach because it’s incredibly natural and intuitive.
Why Frozen Embryos and PGS Testing Aren’t Always Necessary
Frozen embryo transfers increased in popularity alongside PGS testing. The idea was that freezing embryos allowed more time to screen for chromosomal abnormalities. While there are certain situations where PGS is recommended—especially after recurrent pregnancy loss—it might not always be necessary.
Here’s why:
- PGS testing only tells us about chromosomes, but embryos are much more than just their chromosomes.
- Freezing embryos creates an extra hurdle for development. While it works well in some situations, it might not be ideal for others.
At Fertilista, we often recommend a fresh cycle day 3 or even day 5 transfer and then freezing the remaining embryos for future use. You may not need PGS testing on your frozen embryos unless your particular fertility story involves repeat miscarriages or other complexities.
Is a Day 3 Fresh Transfer Right for You?
If your doctor recommends a day 3 or day 5 fresh embryo transfer, you might hesitate, especially if you’ve heard that frozen transfers or PGS are supposed to yield better outcomes. But here’s the truth:
Going “old school” with a fresh cycle might lead to higher pregnancy rates depending on your unique situation.
Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your IVF team about fresh-cycle options. Whether it’s a day 3 or day 5 transfer, we’re finding that patients who proceed with fresh transfers are experiencing healthier pregnancies and fewer complications. And honestly, we feel so optimistic about this return to simplicity and intuition in fertility care.
Moving Forward with Confidence
What excites me most is seeing this trend towards day 3 fresh embryo transfers pick up momentum. It’s about rooting ourselves in evidence and going back to what has worked well, generation after generation. My team and I truly believe this renewed focus on fresh cycles will open the door to your dream of parenthood.
As we look ahead, whether it’s 2025, 2026, or beyond, my wish for you is to find empowerment in your fertility journey. And remember, it’s okay to step away from the latest “gold standard” if your body—and biology—tell you something else works better.
Here’s to your healthy baby and a future full of love and possibility.
Day 3 fresh transfers are proving that going back to basics can lead to better IVF outcomes. Trust the process, and don’t hesitate to explore if this approach could be the key to your success. Follow us on social media and visit this link: https://linktr.ee/_fertilista
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