CALL US
Request an AppointmentEmbryo Freezing
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?
1
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
2
Cooling
Embryos are then cooled to a sub-zero temperature using a controlled rate or vitrification method
3
Storage
Once frozen, embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks until they are planned for use
Post-Embryo Freezing Procedure
1
Thawing
The embryo straw is removed from the cryo tank and the embryos are warmed to bring it back to a viable state
2
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
How long can embryos be stored?
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.
Is there any risk to the baby?
Babies born from thawed embryos have similar risks of birth defects as babies born from fresh embryos or natural conception.
How successful is embryo freezing?
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.
Are there any ethical considerations?
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.
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.