Impact of a Previous CS on the Ongoing Pregnancy Rate in Single Euploid Frozen Embryo Transfer (ET)

The impact of a previous CS on the future fertility in the general population is discussed controversially, but it seems that the clinical and social circumstances leading to the CS have a greater effect on future fertility than the surgical procedure itself (Gurol-Urganci et al., 2013, 2014; Evers et al., 2014). However, this might be different in women who do not conceive spontaneously after a previous CS and need to undergo ART due to secondary infertility. Whereas some studies describe a reduction of implantation, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth (LB) rates (Vissers et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020; Diao et al., 2021; Friedenthal et al., 2021; van den Tweel et al., 2022), others describe a negative impact of a previous CS only in the presence of an isthmocele (Diao et al., 2021) or no impact (Patounakis et al., 2016).

A case control study evaluated whether there are any differences in the location and distance to the internal cervical ostium of the implantation site of the intrauterine gestation sacs, early pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy outcome at 12 weeks gestation between women with and without a previous Caesarean section (CS) in patients who conceived naturally (Naji et al., 2013). Investigators concluded that the presence of a CS scar affects the site of implantation, and also that the distance between implantation site and the scar is related to the risk of spontaneous abortion.

This is a purely observational study without any intervention. Participants will be stratified into different groups according to their previous obstetrical history. Total sample size will include 1050 participants undergoing a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

Isthmocele will be defined according to de Vaate et al (Bij de Vaate et al., 2011) as: visible anechogenic area of at least 1 mm depth at the site of the Cesarean scar.

Inclusion criteria

• All participants undergoing a single euploid FET, independent of the endometrial preparation approach

Exclusion criteria

• Intracavitary fluid during preparation for FET
• Known anomaly of the uterus or the adnexae (e.g.: fibroids, polyps, hydrosalpinx, endometriosis, adenomyosis)
• Embryo which was biopsied on day 7
• Poor quality embryo which was transferred (Gardner criteria: AC / BC / CB, biopsied on day 6 and CC embryos from both, day 5 and day 6 biopsies, classified as "poor" quality embryos)
• History of recurrent abortion
• Antiphospholipid syndrome / autoimmune diseases