The Pooling Method

In IVF treatments, the pooling method refers to two or more egg collection procedures (OPU) in which the collected eggs are frozen rather than immediately transferred. With this method, the pooled embryos are thawed together and monitored before being transferred into the natural or medically prepared uterus. For the method to be successful, the IVF centre to use it must have a very successful embryo freezing technique.

Increasing the number of embryos to be transferred in women with low ovarian reserve effectively increases success. In addition, before the transfer, it is possible to monitor the pooled embryos together into the further development stages. Especially at the blastocyst stage (5th day), it is possible to select embryos which have the highest implantation potential and which are most likely to be genetically healthy.

Another advantage of the pooling method is that it can relatively lower the cost of the treatment. If a small number of eggs are collected during the first IVF cycle and the embryos are frozen without transfer, the cost of the second and subsequent egg collection procedures is reduced by 50%. This way, we increase our chances of achieving more successful results in the IVF treatment. Another advantage of this method is the increase in the number of embryos that can be biopsied for a Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), since testing them together means a decrease in the total cost of PGD.

Anxiety also increases in couples who have one or more failed attempts, which has an adverse effect on the subsequent treatment process. Many couples give up on the treatment because of these feelings of anxiety and depression. Yet, continuing the treatment would help many of them fulfil their parenting dreams. With the pooling method, it will be possible to relieve the feelings of anxiety of couples, as well as to achieve higher success rates for a lower price.

The pooling method is mostly recommended to women with a low ovarian reserve, or to couples who have had failed attempts.

If the expected number of healthy embryos could not be obtained for transfer following the egg collection procedure, embryo freezing is performed. The transfer is cancelled, and the patient undergoes another egg collection procedure. These steps can be repeated until a sufficient number of embryos are obtained. We talk about the pooling method when two or more egg collection procedures are performed prior to the transfer.

Due to the current legislation, we cannot share any price information on our website. For more information about the pooling method, please fill in our contact form or call us on +90 444 3 949.