In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted reproductive method used for helping infertile couples to have a child. The process involves various complicated steps such as collecting eggs, combining them with the sperm in a lab, forming of an embryo, and then finally transferring the embryo to the woman’s uterus. The fertilised embryo will be transferred to the uterus within 5 days.
If there are any additional or extra embryos, they can be frozen to use them in further IVF cycles. If the transfer of a fresh embryo does not lead to pregnancy, the frozen embryo can be used. It can also be used when the couple wishes to have another child.
Reasons for Choosing Frozen Embryos for IVF
Many doctors suggest transferring only one or two embryos during IVF pregnancy. This is because the transfer of several embryos may lead to multiple pregnancies and can pose delivery complications. When the embryos are fertilised, the doctor chooses the best and most viable embryo for the transfer.
All the remaining embryos will be frozen. The frozen embryos can be used in future. When the IVF process fails to make you pregnant, you have two options. You can either use the frozen embryo or you can start the entire IVF cycle from the beginning. Repeating the IVF cycle would be costly and the use of frozen is a cost saving solution.
Earlier, the use of frozen embryos seemed to be risky. But with the advancement in technology, using a frozen embryo for IVF transfer has become effective. This does not harm either the baby or the mother. Few studies have revealed that children born with frozen embryos are healthier and they are born heavier.
Freezing the embryo can be helpful for the following:
- People who need to undergo chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- People who want to postpone their IVF
- People who wish to postpone the transfer of an embryo after the egg is fertilised
- People who want to donate their unused embryo for people who are trying for a baby
Different Methods for Freezing Embryos
Embryo freezing is also known as cryopreservation. It can be performed using two different methods namely:
- Vitrification: It is the most effective method of cryopreservation and it has the highest survival rate. A cryoprotective agent (CPA) will be added to the embryos to protect the cells from ice crystals. Then the embryo will be moved to liquid nitrogen tanks at -321 degrees Fahrenheit. With this, embryos can be frozen at extremely fast rate. This process requires cryoprotectants of higher concentration.
- Slow freezing: Slow freezing is the old method of cryopreservation. But some of the doctors still prefer this type of embryo freezing method. In this method, only smaller amounts of cryoprotectants are used. Then the embryo will be moved to a machine for cooling. The machine slowly reduces the temperature within two hours. Now the embryo will be collected from the cooler and will be transferred to liquid nitrogen tanks at -321 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both the methods freeze the embryo in such a way that the biological age of the embryo remains the same, irrespective of when you use them.
What Benefits do Cryopreservation Offer?
Embryo freezing is helpful for women who are willing to have a child in later stages of life with the following issues:
- Age barrier
- Willing to transform their gender to male
- Willing to delay pregnancy due to personal or professional reasons
Have Questions About Frozen Embryo? Meet Experts at Angels Fertility Today
Angels Fertility is one of the best fertility center in Hyderabad and have performed hundreds of IVF treatments for infertile couples. We are dedicated to give evidence-based fertility treatment with more focus towards a biological child. Our fertility specialists work closely with you to develop a personalised fertility treatment plan. To discuss your condition, call us today and schedule your appointment.