In the world of fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technologies, freezing embryos has become a cornerstone option for many potential parents. Also referred to as embryo cryopreservation, this process involves storing embryos at sub-zero temperatures for long-term storage, a great asset to safeguard future fertility. In this blog, we will discuss what to expect when trying to conceive through frozen embryos and the benefits of frozen embryos.
Understanding the Basics of Embryo Freezing
In most cases, embryo freezing occurs during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Once eggs are retrieved and sperm is added, the resultant embryo can be transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use. Freezing healthy embryos allows prospective parents to select the time to proceed with embryo transfer when the timing is right—medically and personally.
Modern labs also use vitrification, a fast-freezing process that minimizes ice crystal formation in the embryo. This technique has been so efficient that it has boosted embryo survival rates upon thawing and increased the chances of a future pregnancy.
Who Can Benefit from Freezing Embryos?
Freezing surplus embryos allows couples to have more attempts at pregnancy without having to repeat egg retrieval, which can be physically and emotionally draining.
- Patients who may be undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for cancer can freeze embryos before treatment. Cancer therapies can damage the quality of eggs and sperm, and this safeguards their fertility.
- Freezing embryos can be an excellent option for couples who want to delay parenthood for career, education, or other personal reasons. Preserving embryos at an earlier age may increase the chances of a successful pregnancy in the future.
In some cases, embryos are genetically tested before being frozen. Prospective parents can identify viable embryos without known genetic abnormalities, which improves the chance of success in future pregnancy attempts.
The Process of Freezing Embryos
Initial Procedure: Hormonal injections trigger the ovaries to create multiple mature eggs, which are then removed through a minimally invasive procedure under light sedation.
Collection of eggs: The eggs are collected and then fertilised in conventional IVF or ICSI in lab fertilization.
Embryo Development: Fertilized eggs are cultured for several days to the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6), to allow embryologists to assess their quality.
Freezing: Embryos are placed in a protective solution and rapidly cooled to -196°C with liquid nitrogen to preserve viability for later use.
What to Expect After Freezing Embryos
The advantage of embryo freezing is that you can choose when you want your transfer to occur. If you can’t afford a fresh transfer right away, you can opt for months or years— or even decades-long wait before thawing your embryos.
Transfer and Thawing: Once ready, the chosen embryos are thawed carefully, and those that survive are put into the uterus. Typically, the procedure is more straightforward and less stressful than a fresh IVF cycle, as no ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval is necessary.
Today’s improved technologies can sometimes result in success rates equal to or slightly better than fresh transfers with frozen embryo transfers (FET). However, success hinges on factors such as maternal age at freezing and overall embryo quality.
Conclusion: The Expertise of Dr. Ram Prakash, Embryologist
If you are considering embryo freezing or are on the path of IVF, then the role of an expert embryologist cannot be ignored. Dr. Ram Prakash, an expert embryologist, combines scientific know-how with meticulous laboratory techniques to ensure each embryo is handled carefully.
Many hopeful parents have successfully transferred frozen embryos under Dr. Prakash’s guidance. Dr. Ram Prakash works to maintain the edge regarding the latest fertility research and technology so that each patient embarking on the journey to parenthood has a smoother and more optimistic experience.