With fertility issues on the rise, people now rely on innovative medical techniques to help them conceive a baby. Embryo freezing is one such procedure that involves preserving fertilised eggs for future use. This technique offers hope to those who may face future fertility issues, such as women undergoing multiple IVF cycles or individuals with chronic medical conditions. By understanding the distinctions between the egg and embryo freezing process, individuals can make informed decisions about their family planning journey.
Embryo freezing, or embryo cryopreservation, is a procedure in which people preserve and store fertilised embryos for future use. The embryos are frozen so that they remain viable for years. It is an advanced medical procedure for couples who wish to get pregnant in the future.
Embryo freezing is a process where the fertilised egg, called the embryo, is preserved through freezing. Egg freezing is a process where the unfertilised egg is retrieved and preserved through freezing. Both these procedures help couples to get pregnant in the future. Egg freezing and embryo freezing for IVF treatments are highly recommended for increasing the chances of getting pregnant.
Women who wish to postpone their pregnancy can opt for embryo freezing. For instance:
● Women who are undergoing cancer treatment and other medical treatments can opt for embryo freezing.
● Women with a family history of early menopause.
● Women who are at risk of injury can opt for embryo freezing.
● Women or couples who wish to delay pregnancy for reasons other than medical.
● Couples who wish to use the frozen embryos for future IVF cycles.
● Couples who wish to save IVF costs by preserving extra embryos for use in the next IVF cycle
Embryo freezing can be done using two methods. In both methods, the embryonic cells are cooled with the use of several cryoprotectants which play a key role in protecting the biological tissue from damage. The two different methods of embryo freezing are:
In this method, the embryos are placed inside a special machine that cools them in stages. The cryoprotectants are added, and the embryos are frozen. The frozen embryos are then stored in liquid nitrogen, which is -321 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes about 2 hours to complete the embryo process through this method.
It is the latest embryo freezing method. In this method, the embryo is placed in a highly concentrated solution with cryoprotectants. It is then immersed in liquid nitrogen, which instantly freezes the embryo, making it look like a gas-like substance. When the embryos are frozen, their biological activity and cell growth are suspended.
Embryo freezing involves the following steps:
1. Ovarian Stimulation: First, to retrieve quality eggs, the ovary is stimulated with hormone-related drugs a few days before ovulation.
2. Egg Retrieval: Now, your fertility specialist retrieves your egg using a needle. The procedure is carried out in sedation to avoid pain and discomfort.
3. Egg Fertilisation: Your healthcare provider collects the sperm and allows it to fertilise with the egg in a laboratory. The eggs are fertilised, resulting in the formation of the embryo.
4. Preserving Eggs: The embryo is preserved by freezing it at the right temperature.
Side effects of embryo freezing are usually associated with egg extraction. The significant side effects of embryo freezing are listed below:
● Cramping
● Bloating
● Abnormal vaginal discharge
● Bleeding
● Overstimulation of ovaries
● Nausea
● Constipation
● Hormonal fluctuations
● Stress
Over-the-counter medication and rest can help to manage the side effects of embryo freezing.
Embryo freezing does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Other risks of embryo freezing are:
● Embryo Survival: Not all frozen embryos can survive. This depends on the technique used to freeze the embryo.
● Embryo Damage: The freezing and thawing process can damage the embryo.
● Failed Pregnancy: There are chances of unsuccessful pregnancy when using frozen embryos.
● Multiple Births: You may end up with multiple pregnancies when using frozen embryos.
● Health Issues During Pregnancy: There are high chances of pregnancy complications during pregnancy.
Frozen embryos remain viable for any number of years. Embryos stored in sealed containers placed at -321 degrees Fahrenheit stay new for many years. Embryos frozen for ten years have been used, resulting in successful pregnancies.
The success rate of embryo freezing is quite high. There is research evidence of a high pregnancy rate with the use of frozen embryos. So, women who find it difficult to conceive have better chances of getting pregnant with frozen and thawed embryos.
Freezing embryos is a powerful and emotional step in preserving the possibility of parenthood. It is a complex and personal decision, and it provides a valuable option for those seeking to expand their family in the future. This advanced medical technique offers hope, security, and control for those facing uncertainty. It offers a sense of control and hope, especially for those facing medical treatments, age-related fertility decline, or other life circumstances that may impact their ability to conceive naturally. Ultimately, it allows individuals and couples to realise their dreams of starting a family, no matter the challenges life presents.
Embryo freezing is chosen by people who wish to postpone their pregnancy for various reasons.
● Couples with chromosomal condition
● Women who undergo chemotherapy
● Couples who are under fertility treatments
● When same-sex couples wish to become parents
Embryo freezing success rates are quite high. The success rate of embryo freezing is higher than egg freezing.
Embryo freezing risks are not associated with pregnancy complications. The common risks of embryo freezing are
● The embryo survival rate is less as all embryos do not survive during embryo cryopreservation.
● There is a chance that embryos will get damaged during the freezing and thawing processes.
Yes, frozen embryos can be used for IVF cycles later. This avoids the need to go for egg retrieval and fertilisation in future IVF cycles.
