Embryo cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing the extra embryos. The embryos are then thawed and used at a later date.
Embryo cryopreservation is a vital part of most IVF programs.
There are many indications for cryo-preserving embryos:
- Extra embryos obtained after transferring one or two embryos in a fresh cycle.
- All the embryos are frozen to be used in the next cycle to prevent the hyperstimulation of the Ovaries.
- Many times frozen embryos give better results than fresh embryo transfer, the reason being hormones are balanced meantime while planning next cycle and do not interfere in the embryo transfer.
- Embryos are also frozen if we want to do PGD/PGS on these embryos. Embryos can be kept frozen in the IVF lab until the results are obtained.
- The frozen embryo can be transferred for the second baby. One doesn’t have to do an IVF again. Embryos can be stored up to 5 years.
- Patients suffering from cancer. They are not in a position to have pregnancy while getting the treatment for cancer so embryos can be stored and can be used once their treatment is complete.
- Embryos can also to frozen in case the endometrium ( lining of the endometrium) is thin and not ready.
- The embryo transfer technique is the same as that of fresh embryo transfer