Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing is the process where embryos created in the laboratory are frozen(-196oc) using the latest Vitrification technique (also known as fast freezing) and stored safely for future use. When the decision is made to use the embryos, they are taken out of storage, warmed, and ready for transfer.
Candidate for Embryo Freezing
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Preserving fertility for:
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1. Social/Elective freezing2. Cancer patients
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As part of IVF treatment to improve the results.
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To prevent OHSS
Embryo freezing during IVF treatment
At IHR, since since 2012 we cryopreserve most of our embryos and prefer to transfer in further cycles.
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This gives us better success rates (see our success rate page).
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High-quality frozen embryos can be used:
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1. For your second pregnancy.2. If you fail in your first cycle, can be used for your second cycle without undergoing stimulation again.
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View consent form
How Long Can You Keep A Frozen Embryo?
The longest time a human embryo has been stored is around 30 years, but once embryos have been frozen, they can be stored indefinitely. Those who have left embryos in storage for more than a decade typically do not use them, however frozen embryos have been thawed nearly 20 years and produced healthy babies. Also, the duration of storage had no significant impact on pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation, or live birth rates.
Are Frozen Embryo Transfers More Successful?
Frozen embryos have higher success rate than fresh embryos when it comes to achieving pregnancy (see our Success rate page)
What is vitrification?
Technically, vitrification means the transformation of a substance into glass. Embryo vitrification is the process of freezing embryos into a glass-like state (thus avoiding crystallization). This ultra-rapid process freezes the embryos up to 600 times faster than conventional cryopreservation. Once the embryos are vitrified, they are ready for long-term storage.
