Dr. Sony Sierra, MD, FRCSC, REI
When going through IVF, many patients hope that one cycle will be enough to build their family. Your doctor will decide on a protocol to maximize your chances to conceive in one cycle, however, some people will need more than one cycle to get the number of healthy embryos they need for the best chance for a baby. Another important factor to consider for yourself, and for your doctor is what is your ideal family size and if it is more than one baby, a strategy called batching might help.
What Is IVF Batching?
IVF batching means doing two (or more) cycles before doing any embryo transfers. The goal is to create and freeze a group (or “batch”) of embryos upfront. Usually, preimplantation genetic screening is used as a way to better predict which embryos have a better chance of becoming babies. This gives patients a better chance of having enough embryos for future transfers—whether they’re trying for their first baby or planning ahead for a second.
Why Do Some Patients Choose to Batch?
Every patient’s fertility journey is different, but here are some common reasons patients consider batching:
1. Planning for More Than One Child
If you’re hoping to grow your family with more than one child and you are over age 35, or have another condition that may be affecting your ovarian reserve, you may want to consider batching embryos.
2. Egg Quality and Age
Age is one of the most important factors in fertility. After 36, it can become harder to get euploid embryos (chromosomally normal embryos). Research and clinic experience show that if you’re over 36 and want two children, you may need around five euploid embryos to reach that goal—which can take 1-2 cycle depending on your ovarian reserve testing, response to stimulation and egg quality.
3. Reducing Emotional Ups and Downs
IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster with initially the stimulation to make embryos, the embryo transfer and the difficult 2 week wait. Batching helps reduce the number of “starts and stops” by undergoing stimulation cycles and getting eggs out sooner rather than later, therefore banking good embryos today for the future which could be after a failed transfer, and pregnancy loss, or a term delivery and breast feeding. All of which can delay your next cycle start.
4. Cost and Efficiency
While batching can feel like more upfront effort and cost, it can sometimes be more efficient in the long run—especially if planning on more than one baby.
TRIO also has different pricing plans that help make batching a cost effective approach to family planning.
Is Batching Right for You?
Not everyone needs to batch. For some, one cycle of IVF is enough for your desired family size. But if you’re over 36, have a low egg reserve, or want to plan for more than one child, batching may help increase your chances of success—and reduce stress along the way.
Talk to your doctor about your goals and what makes the most sense for you and as always TRIO is here to support your decisions and journey to the family of your dreams.
