EmbryoCryopreservation
Embryo Freezing or Cryopreservation
Embryo freezing, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is an advanced process of storing fresh embryos at cryogenic temperatures where its natural aging process does not occur. At our embryo freezing center in Dubai, we highly recommend this process to many couples undergoing IVF or who wish to postpone their pregnancy plans for months or even years.
Who Can Opt For Embryo Freezing?
Typically, any couple who are able to form healthy embryos with their gametes can choose to freeze and preserve them. But it is mostly recommended to couples when:
- They need to preserve their embryos for future IVF cycles
- One or both of the partners may need to undergo cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- They have a history of genetic disorders in their bloodline
- One of the partners may have to take medications that affect fertility
- They want to become a parent at a later age due to personal issues
- One of the partners has a risky job or stays away from home for work reasons
- Standard IVF treatment has generated surplus embryos which can be used for future pregnancy.
- OHSS which is one of the IVF complication wherein the embryos have to be cryopreserved and transferred at a later date.
How Does Embryo Freezing Work?
The embryos used for freezing are created through IVF, either in a lab dish or through ICSI treatment.
First, the eggs are retrieved after ovarian stimulation and the sperms are collected through the male partner’s semen sample. They are merged to form embryos which are further scanned for chromosomal abnormalities to select the normal from the abnormal embryos.
The embryos are incubated with a substance called a cryoprotectant, which replaces the water in the embryo cells to prevent damage from crystallization. The embryos are frozen to subzero temperatures in liquid nitrogen using the vitrification process and stored in an incubator.
It can be stored this way for several years, and retrieved using the thawing process whenever required. Thawing involves separating the cryoprotectant from the embryos by placing them in a warm medium.
Is Embryo Freezing Safe?
Many international studies have shown that frozen embryos are as healthy and likely to develop as fresh embryos during IVF cycles. The freezing and thawing process can result in embryo stress but this side effect is negligible in good centers.
In fact, some recent studies suggested that using frozen embryos for IVF might offer a higher rate of successful pregnancy and better results for the mother and the baby.
There are many reasons a couple can choose this service and ensure their future parenthood. You can consultDr. Partha Das, our IVF Consultant at our embryo-freezing fertility center in Dubai to know more about its benefits in your unique case and to know more about embryo cryopreservation.