What Are the Benefits of Embryo Cryopreservation?

Embryo cryopreservation, also called embryo freezing, offers a significant advantage for IVF patients to increase their chances for successful pregnancies, as well as future pregnancies. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), additional transfers using frozen embryos have higher success rates than first transfers.

Multiple eggs are often retrieved in a single IVF cycle, and many of these may create viable embryos. Patients can choose to freeze their additional embryos for future cycles and future pregnancies. Embryo cryopreservation can also be utilized in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles allowing for the option of performing genetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic diseases in the embryos before implantation.

Advantages of Embryo Freezing

There are several advantages for patients who choose to use embryo cryopreservation.

  • Extends the possibility for pregnancy if the first cycle is not successful.
  • Increases the options for patients who desire additional children.
  • Increases the chances for biological siblings for donor egg IVF patients.
  • Helps avoid any concerns a patient may feel about disposing of remaining embryos.
  • Offers an alternative to patients that might transfer too many embryos and risk a multiple gestation pregnancy.
  • Decreases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
  • Provides an optimal option for fertility preservation.

Embryo Cryopreservation FAQs

Embryo freezing, or vitrification, is technique is associated with the highest survival rates and subsequent chances for pregnancy.

Once your embryos are frozen and stored in sealed liquid nitrogen freezers, they can be stored for many years. It is not known how long the embryos can be stored; however, in October 2020, a baby was successfully born from an embryo that had been frozen for 27 years.

Research has shown that embryo freezing and thawing is not harmful to the baby and that there are no increased risks for health issues or congenital abnormalities.