Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)

Embryo cryopreservation can improve your chances of becoming pregnant

• During in vitro fertilization (IVF) multiple embryos may develop. After IVF, embryo cryopreservation, a process of freezing and preserving the non-transferred embryos, can make non-transferred embryos viable for use in the future.
• With embryo cryopreservation, if you decide to undergo IVF again, you can do so without having to undergo another egg retrieval surgery.
• To learn more about embryo cryopreservation performed at our treatment centers practice, contact our office today.

The embryo cryopreservation process

IVF labs currently use two processes, slow freezing and vitrification, or rapid freezing, to preserve embryos. Vitrification has become increasingly popular in recent years because of its many benefits, including a lower risk of damage to the cells.

Embryos can be frozen at any point from the single-cell (pro-nuclear) stage to the blastocyst stage, which occurs five to seven days after fertilization. Before they are frozen, the embryos are combined with a cryoprotectant solution to lower their freezing point. This step is essential to prevent the formation of ice crystals inside the cells, which can cause them to become damaged.

Frozen embryos are very resilient, and can safely remain frozen for long periods of time. In fact, as many as two-thirds of embryos are able to withstand the freezing and thawing process. In some cases, embryos that have been frozen for as long as 20 years have been used to help couples successfully start and grow their families.

Freezing your embryos

Although IVF is a safe and fairly simple procedure, one of the major risks associated with this fertility treatment is multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies place the health of both the mother and fetuses at risk. Our doctors typically recommend transferring no more than one embryo per IVF treatment.

Cryopreservation allows the opportunity to undergo embryo transfer in the future without the need of egg retrieval. Patients may instead donate their frozen embryos to other patients. In Louisiana, embryos can’t be donated for research or destroyed. Patients may choose to have PGS of their embryos before or after cryopreservation.

Learn more about the procedure during a consultation

We take great pride in helping hopeful parents realize their dreams of conception. Starting and growing a family is a deeply personal decision. Thanks to advanced procedures such as embryo cryopreservation, hopeful parents have more options than ever before when it comes to fertility treatment.

Our compassionate doctors offer not only years of training and experience, but also a deep commitment to enhancing our patients’ quality of life by helping them achieve their goals.