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Embryo freezing
Embryo freezing is a way of preserving your fertility as a couple so that you may try for a family at a time that is right for you.
It is also an option for those already undergoing fertility treatment who may need to have more than one cycle to achieve a pregnancy or to try for a sibling later on.
Find out what it is and how it works so you can make the right choice for you.
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What is embryo freezing?
Embryo freezing, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is a process whereby healthy fertilised embryos are frozen (using a technique called vitrification) and safely stored in tanks of liquid nitrogen for use in future fertility treatment, such as IVF.
It’s important to know that this doesn’t guarantee a future pregnancy. But it does let you try treatment at the right time for you.
How does embryo freezing work?
To freeze your embryos, you will have to go through a partial IVF cycle, taking you up to the fertilisation stage. The embryo freezing process can take up to four weeks and looks something like this:
Suppressing the natural menstrual cycle. Medication will be administered at home via an injection to stop natural hormone production and control when your eggs are released.
Stimulating the ovaries. Further medication will be given to stimulate egg production. This increases the chance of more eggs being collected.
Monitoring progress. A scan will be performed to check the development of the follicles that produce the eggs. This will determine when the eggs are collected.
Egg retrieval. Once the follicles have reached the correct size, an injection will be given to mature the eggs for collection. A needle is then gently guided through the vaginal wall to capture the eggs one by one. Don’t worry, you will be sedated for this part of the procedure to ensure no pain or discomfort.
Fertilising the eggs. The eggs are fertilised with sperm in the lab. This can be the sperm of your partner, co-parent or from a donor.
Embryo development: Embryos are cultured in the lab for 5-6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. These are then frozen and safely stored.
If you're participating in a fresh IVF cycle, the best embryo/s will be chosen for transfer. Any remaining healthy embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.
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Is embryo freezing right for me?
If you're undergoing fertility treatment, you may have healthy embryos left over from your cycle that haven't been transferred. These can be frozen and safely stored for use in future treatment or donated.
Likewise, if you're in a committed relationship and you're interested in preserving your fertility, we may recommended that you freeze your embryos as these survive the freeze-thaw process better than eggs and sperm.
You may also consider freezing your embryos if:
You want the option of using your embryos in the future
This could be for a sibling in the future or in case initial treatment doesn’t work. Freezing your embryos will mean you do not need to start the whole IVF or ICSI process from scratch.
Your fertility treatment needs to be cancelled after egg collection
For example, if you over respond to fertility medication and are advised to take a break.
Fertilising and freezing your embryos will mean you do not need to start the IVF or ICSI process from scratch.
You’re a transgender or non-binary person
If you’re starting hormone replacement therapy or planning to undergo reconstructive surgery, some or complete loss of fertility can be expected.
You have a condition that may affect your fertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and other health problems can affect a woman’s fertility.
Preserving your fertility is also an option for those about to start treatment for a medical condition, for example, cancer treatment.
You’re in the Armed Forces or have a hazardous job
If you’re working a job deemed as “hazardous” you may wish to preserve your fertility due to the increased risk of injury or exposure to harmful chemicals or illnesses.
We're here to help
Whatever your situation, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through your fertility preservation options. Please use our contact form to book an appointment at your local TFP Fertility clinic to find out more.
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How long can I store my embryos for?
UK law permits you to store your embryos for use in treatment for up to 55 years from the date they are first placed in storage, however, you must renew your consent every ten years.
We’ll reach out when this renewal date approaches so you don’t need to worry about missing it.
It’s important to know that embryos can only be stored if both you and the egg or sperm provider have given consent. This may be your partner, or it may be a donor if donor sperm or eggs have been used in your treatment.
How many embryos should I freeze?
There’s no minimum or maximum requirement for freezing your embryos, however, the cost of storage is something to consider and will be down to your personal circumstances.
During your consultation, our fertility experts will cover all of this with you so you can make an informed decision when the time comes.
It’s important to know that we would only recommend storing healthy embryos that have reached blastocyst stage to ensure a higher success rate when they’re thawed and transferred.
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