Embryo Cryopreservation

In Vitro Fertilization, Egg Donation, and Gestational Surrogacy treatments can result in the creation of more embryos than you may wish to have transferred. It is typically possible to cryopreserve these "extra" embryos and store them in liquid nitrogen. These stored embryos can be thawed and transferred into the uterus at a later date.

 

We will let you know at the time of your embryo transfer whether your remaining embryos are of high enough quality for cryopreservation. Embryo cryopreservation and storage is done on site.

 

The implantation rate of the surviving thawed embryos is similar to the "fresh" embryos.

 

The complexity and cost of frozen embryo transfer treatment is significantly less than repeating a full In Vitro Fertilization, Egg Donation, or Surrogacy treatments.

 

The transfer of cryopreserved/thawed embryos consists of:

 

• Preparation of endometrial lining
• Thawing and culture of cryopreserved embryos
• Transfer of the surviving embryos into the uterus
• Establishment of pregnancy

 

An important factor in frozen embryo transfer is synchronization of endometrial lining development with the age of the embryos at the time of cryopreservation. We use estrogen skin patches, progesterone vaginal capsules, and four progesterone injections to stimulate and synchronize the endometrial lining.

 

There is no increase in birth defects among cryopreserved-thawed embryo pregnancies compared with spontaneous conception pregnancies.

 

For additional in-depth information, please see Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer Protocol, Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer Cost, and Deciding between Cryopreserved Embryo Transfer and IVF.

 

If you have any questions regarding embryo cryopreservation, please contact us by phone at 650-322-0500 or via email at care@BayIVF.com.