What is the success rate of thawing frozen embryos

Embryo freezing has become a significant advancement in assisted reproductive technology (ART), helping individuals and couples preserve their chances of having a baby in the future. Whether you’re undergoing IVF or planning ahead for medical or personal reasons, embryo cryopreservation offers a reliable option for fertility preservation. 

What Is Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing procedure in Pakistan, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is the process of preserving embryos at sub-zero temperatures for future use. These embryos are typically created during an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle when a woman’s eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. Once they reach a certain developmental stage, the viable embryos are frozen and stored safely for later use.

Step-by-Step Process of Embryo Freezing

Here’s a detailed look at how the embryo freezing process works:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The woman is given hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This step is carefully monitored using ultrasound and blood tests to track egg development.

2. Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration, which is performed under light anesthesia.

3. Fertilization

The collected eggs are then fertilized with sperm in the laboratory using conventional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). This results in the formation of embryos.

4. Embryo Culture

The fertilized eggs (now embryos) are allowed to grow in a culture medium for a few days, typically until they reach the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6).

5. Embryo Selection

Embryologists assess the quality of the embryos and select the healthiest ones for freezing.

6. Cryopreservation

The chosen embryos are frozen using a method called vitrification, which prevents the formation of ice crystals and ensures higher survival rates during thawing.

7. Storage

Frozen embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at temperatures around -196°C. They can be preserved for several years without compromising their viability.

Who Can Benefit from Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing isn’t just for couples going through IVF. It provides a fertility solution for many individuals in different situations:

1. Couples Undergoing IVF

Often, more embryos are created than are needed in a single IVF cycle. The extra embryos can be frozen for future attempts, avoiding the need for repeat stimulation and egg retrieval.

2. Women Delaying Pregnancy

Women who want to postpone childbirth due to personal or career reasons may choose embryo freezing (often with donor sperm or partner sperm) to preserve younger, healthier embryos for the future.

3. Cancer Patients

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can harm fertility. Freezing embryos before treatment begins can allow patients to start a family after recovery.

4. Individuals with Genetic Conditions

Couples with known genetic conditions may undergo PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) during IVF. The healthy embryos identified during PGD can then be frozen for later use.

5. Couples at Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

In cases where OHSS is a concern, doctors may recommend freezing all embryos and transferring them in a later cycle when hormone levels normalize.

Advantages of Embryo Freezing

• Cost-effective for future IVF cycles, as stimulation and retrieval are not repeated.

• Increases flexibility in planning pregnancy.

• Higher success rates with frozen embryo transfers (FETs) in certain cases.

• Preserves fertility during medical treatments or health risks.

Conclusion:

Embryo freezing is a powerful fertility preservation method that offers hope, flexibility, and reassurance to many individuals and couples. Whether you’re planning ahead, undergoing IVF, or facing a medical challenge, understanding the embryo freezing process can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future. If you're considering this option, consult a trusted fertility clinic to discuss the best approach for your specific needs.

For More Details: https://acimc.org/ivf-lahore/