Embryo freezing is a process where embryos created in the laboratory are frozen using vitrification and stored for future use. This method is designed for couples undergoing infertility treatment.
The goal of IVF treatment is to create several healthy embryos in one treatment cycle that are suitable for embryo transfer. At our clinic, we recommend transferring 1 or, rarely at most, 2 embryos in one cycle. All other healthy embryos are then frozen for future use.
Embryo freezing is crucial for couples who need genetic testing to ensure the health of their future baby. In these cases, embryos created through IVF are frozen using vitrification after undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Once genetic testing is complete, the suitable embryo can be thawed and prepared for embryo transfer.
The remaining healthy embryos can be stored for future use. This can be beneficial if the woman does not conceive and wishes to try again, or after several years when the parents may decide to have another child.
The process of creating an embryo suitable for freezing depends on the specific type of treatment you undergo at our clinic. However, the actual freezing of the embryo is performed the same way in all cases.
Once the eggs are fertilized with sperm in our embryology lab, we carefully monitor the development of the embryos. Quality embryos suitable for transfer can either be used immediately for embryo transfer or frozen for future use.
In our lab, we use the most advanced method called vitrification to freeze embryos. This technique ensures high success rates when thawing embryos for transfer.
When you decide to use your frozen embryos, you will schedule a suitable time for the transfer with our doctor. The thawed embryos will then be transferred during this planned embryo transfer.
Recent studies suggest that if you directly compare top quality fresh and frozen embryos, the frozen embryos may in fact yield a better pregnancy outcome, along with a lower chance of obstetric complications such as preterm labour and fetal growth restriction. The success rate of cycles with frozen embryos can also be higher due to the fact that the woman's body has more time to recover after egg retrieval and to prepare for embryo implantation.
Everything you need to know about your journey to fertility preservation.
Yes.
We recommend up to 5 years.
It can remain safely stored for some years. You also have options of what to do with it according to your preferences.
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