Embryo cryopreservation

Embryos can be cryopreserved during a standard IVF cycle when good-quality embryos remain after transfer. Embryos may also be created and stored specifically for future use as part of fertility preservation.

Frozen embryos can be warmed and transferred in a future cycle, which is usually much simpler than the original IVF cycle. This often involves monitoring a natural cycle so that embryo warming and transfer can be timed accurately, without ovarian stimulation or egg collection.

If menstrual cycles are irregular, we may recommend a mild hormonal treatment to prepare the lining of the uterus for frozen embryo transfer.

Embryo cryopreservation for fertility preservation
Embryo freezing has a longer established record than egg freezing. People with a partner may choose ovarian stimulation and egg collection as in a standard IVF cycle, fertilise the eggs with their partner’s sperm, and store the resulting embryos for future use. Embryos created at a younger age may offer a better chance of pregnancy later than eggs collected when ovarian reserve and egg quality have declined.

Studies comparing high-quality fresh and frozen embryos show that frozen embryo transfer can achieve excellent pregnancy outcomes. In appropriately selected patients, it may also be associated with a lower risk of some complications, such as preterm birth or fetal growth restriction.

Ioannis A. Sklavounos MD MSc DFFP
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Specialist Training and Fellowship in the United Kingdom
T.Senior Clinical Fellow – Liverpool Woman’s Hospital UK

IVF

Fertility & IVF Centre in Marousi

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