Embryo Freezing / Vitrification
Embryo freezing, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is a fertility preservation technique in which embryos created through IVF or ICSI are carefully frozen and stored for potential future treatment. Vitrification is a rapid-freezing method designed to reduce the formation of damaging ice crystals during cryopreservation.
Who May Consider Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing may be considered when couples have suitable embryos remaining after an IVF cycle, want to preserve embryos for a future pregnancy, or need to postpone embryo transfer because of medical or treatment-related circumstances. It may also form part of a planned fertility preservation strategy.
How Does Vitrification Work?
After embryo development and assessment, suitable embryos are prepared using specialized cryoprotective solutions and rapidly cooled before being stored in liquid nitrogen under controlled laboratory conditions. When treatment is planned, the embryos are carefully warmed and assessed before frozen embryo transfer (FET).
Embryo survival and pregnancy outcomes can vary based on factors such as age, embryo quality, number of embryos stored, and individual fertility circumstances. Your fertility specialist can explain expected outcomes based on your treatment history and clinic-specific results.