Embryo Freezing
What Is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing, or embryo cryopreservation, is an advanced fertility treatment offered at Poojan IVF that significantly improves pregnancy rates for couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This process allows for the storage of unused embryos from the initial treatment cycle, enabling couples to use them in future cycles or for research, with consent.
How Embryo Freezing Works?
- Creation of Embryos:
During the IVF or ICSI process, eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos. Not all embryos may be used in the initial transfer, resulting in surplus embryos. - Cryopreservation Process:
The unused embryos are frozen using advanced techniques, preserving their viability for future use. This is typically done through vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation and maintains embryo quality. - Future Use:
Once needed, the frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred into the woman’s uterus in subsequent treatment cycles, maximizing the chances of successful pregnancy.
When is Embryo Freezing Recommended?
Embryo freezing is beneficial in several scenarios, including:
- Excess Embryos from IVF/ICSI Cycles:
Couples may have additional embryos after their first treatment cycle that can be preserved for future IVF or ICSI attempts. - Cancellation of Treatment Cycles:
If treatment must be canceled after egg collection due to conditions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, an unprepared uterine lining, or the presence of uterine polyps, embryos can be frozen for later transfer. - Medical Conditions:
For individuals facing medical or surgical conditions that delay conception or affect fertility, embryo freezing serves as an effective method of preserving fertility. - High-Risk Situations:
Individuals, such as members of the Armed Forces, who are at risk of injury or deployment may choose to freeze embryos to ensure fertility preservation in the event of unforeseen circumstances. - Gender Transition:
Individuals undergoing sex reassignment surgery may opt for embryo freezing to secure their reproductive options for the future. - Compromised Implantation Factors:
Embryo freezing may be recommended if there are factors jeopardizing implantation, such as uterine bleeding, adhesions, unfavorable endometrial conditions, polyps, or complications during embryo transfer.
Benefits of Embryo Freezing
- Increased Flexibility:
Couples have the option to use preserved embryos in later cycles, enhancing the chances of conception without undergoing additional egg retrieval procedures. - Improved Pregnancy Rates:
The ability to freeze and store embryos can lead to higher cumulative pregnancy rates, as couples can attempt implantation multiple times. - Fertility Preservation:
Embryo freezing provides a secure method for individuals and couples to preserve their fertility for future family planning.