Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryo cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing embryos and is a part of most in vitro fertilization programs. The process is chosen for reasons as varied as providing an additional chance for pregnancy, or saving embryos in the face of certain medical treatments.

How is embryo cryopreservation done?

A cell is made up mostly of water. The main concern when freezing embryos is ice forming in and between the cells. Ice crystals can hurt the cell wall, and can harm the small structures inside the cell.

The embryo must be protected during the freezing process. This is done using special fluids called cryoprotective agents (CPAs). CPAs are like “anti-freeze” for cells.

Embryologists freeze the embryos by a methos called vitrification.

Vitrification is an ultra-rapid method of cryopreservation where by the embryo is transitioned from 37 to -196 degree celcius in less than 1s, resulting in extremenly fast rates of cooling.

When is embryo cryopreservation done?

Embryos are often frozen from one to six days after they are made.

How long can embryos be stored?

Once they are frozen, the embryos are stored in sealed liquid nitrogen freezers. Embryos can be frozen in liquid nitrogen for many years.It can be stored for 5 to 10 years safely.

How safe is embryo cryopreservation?

Research has shown that freezing and thawing embryos does not harm the baby. Children born from frozen embryos have no greater rate of birth defects or health problems than children born from embryos that were not frozen.

Does embryo cryopreservation work?

Many healthy babies have been born from embryos that were frozen and thawed. Some babies have been born from embryos frozen for more than 10 years. IVF programs with good cryopreservation techniques have the same pregnancy rates with fresh and frozen embryos.