Egg & Embryo Pooling: Building Fertility Success Over Time
What Is Egg or Embryo Pooling?
Egg pooling or embryo pooling is a fertility strategy where multiple cycles of egg retrieval (with or without fertilization) are performed over time to accumulate a higher number of eggs or embryos before proceeding with embryo transfer.
This approach is particularly useful for individuals with:
- Low ovarian reserve
- Advanced maternal age
- Poor response to ovarian stimulation
- A need for PGT-A (genetic testing) or embryo selection
Why Consider Pooling?
Pooling helps increase the number of available embryos, improving the chances of:
- A successful pregnancy
- Selecting a chromosomally normal embryo (via PGT-A)
- Having multiple attempts from a single preparation process
- Reducing time between failed transfers, as embryos are already banked
Types of Pooling
1. Egg Pooling
- Multiple IVF stimulation cycles are done.
- Eggs are retrieved and frozen unfertilized (egg vitrification).
- Later, they are thawed and fertilized all at once to create embryos.
2. Embryo Pooling
- Eggs are fertilized after each retrieval.
- Resulting embryos are frozen (cryopreserved) and stored.
- After several cycles, all embryos are reviewed and selected for transfer.
Who Can Benefit from Pooling?
Egg or embryo pooling may be recommended if you:
- Are over 35 years old
- Have diminished ovarian reserve
- Have experienced poor embryo development in past IVF cycles
- Want to maximize the number of embryos before transfer
- Are undergoing genetic testing or fertility preservation
The Process
- Initial Consultation & Testing - Hormonal tests, ultrasound, and fertility planning
- Ovarian Stimulation - Hormone injections to encourage egg development
- Egg Retrieval (Repeated Cycles) - Eggs are collected after each stimulation cycle. Eggs may be frozen or fertilized immediately
- Pooling Period - Eggs or embryos are accumulated over 2–4 cycles
- Fertilization & Genetic Testing (if needed)
- Embryo Transfer - Once a sufficient number of high-quality embryos are available, one is transferred to the uterus
Benefits of Pooling
- Improved pregnancy rates by selecting the best embryos
- Better use of time and resources in patients with poor response
- Reduces emotional strain of repeated failed cycles
- Allows PGT-A testing across a larger pool of embryos
Take Control of Your Fertility Journey
If you’ve struggled with previous IVF attempts or want to improve your odds before transfer, egg or embryo pooling may be the right step. Speak to a fertility expert today to explore a strategy tailored to your needs.