Embryo Freezing

Cryopreservation

The embryo freezing process takes approximately 3 hours. Embryos can be stored for a maximum of 10 years.

There are many advantages of embryo freezing; they include:
• Optimizing the chances of conception for IVF
• The chances of live birth as high as with a fresh transfer
• It is advised for women at a high risk of developing severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
• It is advised for women who have been unsuccessful with fresh embryo transfer.

An ideal candidate would be a woman who has been unsuccessful with the other IVF methods.

It is recommend to rest in bed for the rest of the day, and for the next 3 days to have only light activity.

A rare but serious risk of IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is where high hormone levels lead water to leak from the ovarian blood vessels into the abdomen. In the event the woman becomes pregnant, the syndrome is often much more serious and lasts longer.

On the day of embryo transfer, the woman may start a course of pessaries to support the luteal phase.

If the embryos are stored for a long time, the IVF clinic may contact the patient about the future of the embryos. They may be asked if they want to:
 
• Continue storage for a further period of time.
• Arrange for embryo transfer treatment cycle before the expiry date.
• Allow embryos to perish by interfering with the thawing process.
• Donate embryos to ethically approved research.
• Donate embryos to infertile couple.