ART- Embryo Cryopreservation

Sometimes more embryos are produced in an IVF cycle than can be safely transferred to the uterus because of the risk of high order (>2) multiple births. When extra embryos are produced, they can often be saved using the cryopreservation process.

In cryopreservation, the embryos are gradually “passed through” special solutions lowering their until they reach the cryopreserved stage (-196 F). When the embryos are ready for use in a future IVF cycle they are very carefully, gradually thawed. Embryos can remain frozen for many years and it is believed that there is no time limit.

The Center for Women’s Medicine has a very successful embryo cryopreservation program. The advantage to using cryopreserved embryos in future cycles is that it is not necessary to undergo ovulation induction with expensive medications (FSH) thus greatly lowering the cycle cost. The female need only take medications to “synch” her body for embryo reception, usually progesterone to stimulate the endometrium and hCG to mimic ovulation.

IVF success rates using cryopreserved embryos are usually less than fresh embryos but are quite acceptable.