What Is Embryo Freezing?
Some people choose to freeze embryos for later use. The procedure involves fertilizing eggs in a lab setting and then using cryopreservation to save the embryos. The first successful pregnancy from a frozen embryo occurred in the 1980s. In the years since the practice of cryopreservation has grown exponentially. Here are 3 reasons why freezing embryos may be worth considering.
1. Boost chances of IVF success
Often, people undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) opt for egg freezing to have a backup plan in case the first IVF cycle is not successful. To create an embryo in a laboratory, the female partner takes fertility medications to stimulate ovulation. Then, the eggs are extracted and fertilized with sperm in the lab. These steps are all typical during an IVF cycle. However, sometimes this fertilization results in more than one embryo, and couples choose to save the extra embryos as a backup plan.
2. You want or need to wait to conceive
One of the most common reasons to choose cryopreservation is a desire or necessity to wait to have children. For example, female fertility begins to drop rapidly after the age of 35, but many women want to have children later in life, for professional or financial reasons. Other common reasons to wait on childbearing could include going through cancer treatment or an upcoming military deployment. Freezing embryos can give couples more flexibility in the timing of a pregnancy.
3. You want to pay it forward
Sometimes, couples opt to preserve embryos for someone else’s future use. Other couples struggling with infertility may benefit from a donated embryo. Many same-sex and LGBTQ couples use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Additionally, some places may have an option to give an embryo for future research.
What is the success rate?
Couples who want to save an embryo for future use may wonder about the success rate of using cryopreserved embryos. Overall, the chances of a successful pregnancy are high. Some studies have shown that the process of freezing may affect success rates. Vitrification, which is quick freezing of the embryo, is associated with higher chances of a successful pregnancy compared to slow freezing methods.
You have more options
Couples have many options for infertility treatment. IVF, IUI, ICSI, and embryo freezing are just a few of the procedures that can help couples get pregnant. To learn more about fertility treatment options, speak with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist.
