Embryo Freezing
What Does Embryo Freezing Mean?
Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a process where fertilized embryos are preserved at extremely low temperatures for future use. This technique is a critical component of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is often used in conjunction with treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
After eggs are fertilized in a laboratory, the resulting embryos are carefully evaluated for quality. The selected embryos are then frozen using advanced methods like vitrification, which rapidly cools them to prevent ice crystal formation, ensuring higher survival rates upon thawing.
Embryo freezing offers flexibility and multiple opportunities for conception without needing to undergo repeated egg retrieval cycles. It is commonly chosen for reasons such as delaying pregnancy, preserving fertility before medical treatments like chemotherapy, or storing surplus embryos for future family planning. This process provides hope and options for individuals and couples pursuing parenthood.
The Embryo Freezing Process
Embryo freezing, or cryopreservation, is a process that involves preserving fertilized embryos at ultra-low temperatures for future use.
Here's how it works:
1: Embryo Creation
Fertilized embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) by combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory. The embryos are allowed to develop for a few days, typically reaching the blastocyst stage.
2: Quality Assessment
Embryos are carefully evaluated for quality and viability. Only the healthiest embryos are selected for freezing to ensure the best chances of success upon thawing.
3: Freezing (Vitrification)
The selected embryos are treated with a cryoprotectant to prevent ice crystal formation, which could damage cells. They are then rapidly cooled using a technique called vitrification, which freezes them almost instantly.
4: Storage
The frozen embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures of -196°C, where they can remain viable for years.
5: Thawing and Transfer
When the individual or couple is ready, the embryos are thawed and prepared for transfer into the uterus during a future IVF cycle.
This process provides flexibility for family planning and enhances the chances of successful conception in the future.