Embryo Cryopreservation

Preserving Hope for Future Parenthood

Embryo cryopreservation, also known as embryo freezing, is a remarkable advancement in reproductive technology that allows individuals and couples to store and preserve embryos for future use. This process offers a valuable option for those undergoing fertility treatments, as it allows for the preservation of excess embryos or the postponement of embryo transfer.

The Process

Embryo freezing involves the careful preservation of embryos at ultra-low temperatures, allowing them to be stored for extended periods without compromising their viability and potential for pregnancy. This technique provides individuals and couples with the opportunity to preserve their embryos for future use.

  • The patient undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure.

  • The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) techniques, resulting in the formation of embryos.

  • The resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days, allowing them to develop and reach the appropriate stage for freezing.

  • The selected embryos are carefully frozen using a process called vitrification, which involves rapid cooling to prevent ice crystal formation and preserve their quality.

  • The frozen embryos are then stored in specialized cryogenic tanks, maintaining their viability until they are ready to be thawed and used in the future.

  • Embryo freezing is suitable for couples undergoing fertility treatments, such as IVF, who have excess healthy embryos that they wish to preserve for future use. It can also be an option for individuals facing medical treatments that may affect fertility or those who wish to postpone pregnancy for personal or medical reasons.

  • Embryos can be safely stored for several years, without significant loss of quality or viability. The length of storage may vary depending on individual circumstances and the policies of the fertility clinic or embryo bank.

  • Success rates of using frozen embryos vary depending on factors such as the age at the time of embryo freezing, the quality of the embryos, and the specific circumstances of the individual or couple. Consulting with a fertility specialist like Dr Kleanthis can provide personalized information based on individual circumstances.

  • Not all embryos can survive the stressful vitrification process used in embryo freezing, which involves the embryos passing through a series of solutions followed by storage in liquid nitrogen at –196C. We expect about 95% of good grade embryos to survive freeze-thawing. Sometimes embryos may lose a few cells but still be considered suitable for embryo transfer, as studies have shown they may still be capable of implanting providing more than half the cells remain intact. The survival and quality of the thawed embryo(s) will be discussed with you at the time of transfer.

  • This procedure is as safe as using fresh embryos. The main risk is having multiple births (twins or triplets), which can pose health risks to both mum and babies, if more than one embryos are transferred.

  • If you no longer wish to have treatment but still have embryos in storage, there are several options you may wish to consider:

    • Donation to another couple - embryo donation gives hope to people who previously thought there was no treatment available to help them. The donors would not be the legal parents of any child born as a result and would have no obligation to, or rights over, that child. Recipient couples of donated embryos would be the legal parents of any offspring born as a result of treatment.

    • Donation for training purposes - In-house training purposes, for practices like ICSI, moving eggs/embryos between dishes, freezing/thawing of embryos and biopsy of embryos.

    • Donation to research – if the clinic participates in research they can provide details of the research projects involved.

    • Discard embryos – involves removal of embryos from storage and allowing them to perish.

Embryo freezing is a valuable fertility preservation technique that allows individuals and couples to preserve their embryos and have future possibilities for starting a family. By understanding the process of embryo freezing and addressing common questions, individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive journey. Consulting with a fertility specialist like Dr Kleanthis, or an embryo bank, can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the embryo freezing process.

Book your non-obligatory discovery call today to see if we can help you increase your chances of achieving pregnancy when using the frozen embryos in the future.