No difference in pregnancy rates using dedicated vs. versatile embryo transfer media in euploid frozen embryo transfer cycles

Presented at: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Meeting, July 5-8, 2026, London

Authors: N. Sharma, M.T. VerMilyea, L. VerMilyea, E. Gonzalez-Wooding

Objective: This study aimed to determine if using a dedicated embryo transfer medium improves clinical outcomes, compared with a versatile embryo culture medium used for transfer, independent of embryo culture medium.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (July 5, 2026)-- A new, comprehensive study titled, “No Difference in Pregnancy Rates Using Dedicated Vs. Versatile Embryo Transfer Media in Euploid Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles,” found that specialized hyaluronan-enriched embryo transfer media often marketed to clinicians and patients as a "glue" to aid implantation offers no statistical clinical advantage over standard versatile media alternatives. The findings were featured as an abstract poster at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Meeting in London.

“In recent years, more of our patients have requested specialized embryo transfer mediums, often driven by social media trends and the clever marketing of these products,” said Nirvika Singh Sharma, Ph.D., MBBS, M.S., ELD (ABB), ELS, ALS, associate laboratory director at Ovation Fertility San Antonio who authored the study. "In our field, it is our responsibility to look past the buzz and focus on what truly improves outcomes for patients. When we analyzed the data, we wanted to see if this specialized media was helping embryos ‘stick’ as some claim.”

The retrospective study evaluated 593 euploid, or chromosomally normal, single frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles performed by Ovation Fertility between 2023 and 2025. Four conditions were evaluated using two embryo culture media and two embryo transfer media, including a versatile transfer medium and a specialized hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium. Vitrification and warming protocols as well as blastocyst recovery procedures, embryo transfer catheters, physician practices, and embryology staffing were identical across all groups.

The results demonstrated that pregnancy rates remained consistent, ranging between 63 percent and 67 percent, regardless of whether the specialized hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium or the standard versatile medium was used for embryo transfer.

“What we found is that patient outcomes were maintained at an excellent level with standard versatile media,” said Dr. Singh.

In addition to maintaining comparable pregnancy success, the study highlighted that standard versatile media offers significant cost savings and operational benefits. By utilizing standard media, laboratory teams can control costs and optimize daily workflows, avoiding the need for additional, time-consuming preparation steps required by specialized products.

“Our hope is that this research reassures both clinicians and patients alike that the standard of care is effective. Furthermore, we hope it illustrates to our laboratory colleagues that they can utilize standard versatile media alternatives without compromising the care patients receive,” she added.

About Dr. Singh

Dr. Nirvika Singh Sharma is a reproductive scientist, physician, embryologist, and laboratory leader whose career uniquely bridges both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive medicine. With advanced training as both a medical doctor and an IVF laboratory director, she brings a rare combination of clinical insight and scientific expertise to the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), enabling her to effectively collaborate with physicians, laboratory teams, and patients to improve fertility outcomes. Dr. Singh currently serves as Associate Laboratory Director at Ovation Fertility San Antonio, where she oversees IVF, embryology, and andrology laboratory operations, while ensuring excellence in patient care, laboratory quality, regulatory compliance, safety, and innovation. She also provides leadership for multiple satellite andrology laboratories and actively participates in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and professional education.

About Ovation Fertility

Ovation Fertility is a national network providing leading-edge treatment through the hands and minds of the world’s foremost reproductive experts. Ovation’s IVF laboratories, along with affiliated physician practices, work collaboratively to raise the bar for IVF treatment, with state-of-the-art, evidence-based fertility services that give hopeful parents the best chance for a successful pregnancy. Physicians partner with Ovation to offer their patients advanced IVF services. Ovation also helps IVF labs across America improve their quality and
performance with expert off-site lab direction and consultation.

For more information, visit www.ovationfertility.com.