Stories
IVF Success for a Second Child Through Natural Cycle Transfer
Dr. Cindy Chan
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Ms. W was 39 years old when she returned to NUWA Fertility Center hoping to expand her family. Her first child, now 2 years old, was also conceived through IVF treatment, and several Day 3 embryos remained frozen from her previous cycle.
This year, the couple decided it was time to try for a second baby. Because Ms. W was still occasionally breastfeeding, she hoped to minimize medication use during treatment and preferred a more natural approach.
Choosing a Natural Cycle Frozen Embryo Transfer
Earlier this year, she underwent a natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (FET), which typically involves fewer medications but requires closer hormonal monitoring and more frequent blood tests. During that cycle, four Day 3 embryos were transferred, but unfortunately pregnancy was not achieved.
Later, after Taiwan’s IVF subsidy program became available, she visited NUWA again to discuss another attempt. We decided to continue with a natural cycle approach tailored to her needs.
Carefully Timing Ovulation and Embryo Development
The first cycle after restarting treatment did not progress as expected. Although her hormone levels were normal, follicle growth was extremely slow, and we ultimately chose to cancel the cycle rather than proceed under less-than-ideal conditions.
The following month, however, ovulation progressed normally, allowing us to move forward with embryo transfer planning.
To meet subsidy regulations, only two embryos could be transferred. Since Ms. W still had six frozen Day 3 embryos remaining, our embryology team carefully evaluated embryo quality and recommended culturing the four strongest embryos to Day 5, allowing natural selection to identify the embryos with the greatest developmental potential.
After precise coordination of ovulation timing, embryo thawing, and laboratory culture, we successfully transferred one blastocyst and one morula.
A Personalized IVF Strategy Leads to Pregnancy
Two weeks later, the couple finally saw the two lines they had been hoping for — a positive pregnancy test.
Ms. W has now successfully transitioned to prenatal care and is preparing to welcome her second child.
Every fertility journey is unique. At NUWA Fertility Center, we believe personalized treatment plans and individualized care are essential to helping patients achieve the best possible outcome.
