Manipal Hospital Mysuru steps up efforts to raise awareness about ‘Embryo Pooling’

Nivedita Vishwanath Adapa of Manipal Hospital Mysuru addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Tuesday, on an innovative reproductive technique called ‘Embryo Pooling.’ Upendra Shenoy was present.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

With infertility affecting nearly one in six couples today, a significant increase from the previous estimate of one in ten, Manipal Hospital Mysuru is stepping up efforts to raise awareness about an innovative reproductive technique called “Embryo Pooling”.

The hospital claimed that the technique offers hope to couples struggling with conception, especially younger patients with low ovarian reserves, said Nivedita Vishwanath Adapa, Director and Consultant, Reproductive Medicine (IVF).

Dr. Adapa told reporters in a press conference here about rising concerns of infertility challenges and innovative reproductive techniques like “Embryo Pooling”. “Infertility is not just a concern for older women anymore. We are now seeing patients as young as 30 years old presenting with low ovarian reserves, a scenario once considered rare. Environmental factors, endocrine disruptors, lifestyle changes, genetics — any or all of these could be contributing to this trend,” she said.

“Embryo Pooling is designed to maximise the chances of conception for patients with low egg reserve. Unlike conventional IVF, which relies on a single cycle, “Embryo Pooling” involves collecting eggs and creating embryos over multiple IVF cycles. These embryos are frozen until enough healthy embryos are available for transfer. This cumulative approach provides doctors with a larger pool of embryos to select from, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy,” the hospital said, in a press release.

The technique is beneficial for younger patients who, despite their age, have a reduced egg reserve, Dr. Adapa said.

Dr. Adapa maintained that there has been a steady rise in patients opting for Embryo Pooling, and with growing awareness, more couples are embracing it to reclaim their dream of parenthood.

Upendra Shenoy, chief of medical services, Manipal hospital was present.