Embryo Freezing - IVF | ICU | ICSI | OI/TI

Embryo Freezing

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What is Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that involves preserving embryos by cooling them to sub-zero temperatures. These embryos are stored and can be thawed and used in subsequent fertility treatments, often years after the initial IVF cycle.

Who can opt for Embryo Freezing?

  • IVF patients: Those undergoing IVF treatments who have excess good-quality embryos that were not transferred in a fresh cycle
  • Preserving fertility: Individuals or couples wanting to delay childbearing due to medical, personal, or professional reasons
  • Medical reasons: Those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, which may impact fertility
  • Genetic screening: Couples wanting to perform Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) on embryos may freeze them while awaiting results

What are the Pre-Requisites for Embryo Freezing?

  • Healthy embryos: Only embryos of average to good grades are typically chosen for freezing
  • Informed consent: Patients must fully understand the procedure, potential risks, costs, & maintenance details
  • Proper Storage facilities: Reliable cryostorage with monitoring to ensure the safety of the embryos

How does Embryo Freezing work?

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Cryoprotectants

Embryos are treated with a solution to protect them from forming ice crystals which can damage their structure. 1-3 embryos are loaded on each straw

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Cooling

Embryos are then cooled to a sub-zero temperature using a controlled rate or vitrification method

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Storage

Once frozen, embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks until they are planned for use

Post-Embryo Freezing Procedure

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Thawing

The embryo straw is removed from the cryo tank and the embryos are warmed to bring it back to a viable state

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Assessment

The viability of the embryo is checked post-thaw after a few hours

3

Transfer

The viable embryos are then transferred into the uterus

Frequently Asked Questions

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Embryos can potentially be stored for many years without a decrease in quality. However, specific time frames might be governed by clinic policies or local regulations.

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Babies born from thawed embryos have similar risks of birth defects as babies born from fresh embryos or natural conception.

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The success rate depends on factors like the age at which the embryo was frozen and the clinic’s protocol, but many patients successfully achieve pregnancy using frozen embryos.

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Embryo freezing does bring up ethical questions for some, especially concerning unused embryos. It’s essential to have a clear understanding and agreement on future embryo disposition.

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Embryo freezing provides a valuable opportunity for those looking to extend their fertility window or optimize their chances of successful IVF treatments. As always, consult with a fertility specialist for individual advice and guidance.