Embryo freezing is an essential and safe part of modern fertility treatment. Embryo freezing allows preservation of good-quality embryos for later use and increases the overall success of fertility treatments (the so-called cumulative probability of pregnancy).
Embryo freezing allows pregnancy attempts to be continued without new hormone stimulation or egg collection. With embryo diagnostics, embryos are always frozen so that diagnostics can be performed before the transfer of a known healthy embryo to the uterus.
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In vitro fertilization, all oocytes collected from the ovaries are usually fertilized. After fertilization, the development of the embryos is carefully monitored. The best embryo is transferred to the uterus at the end of the treatment (so-called fresh embryo transfer). The effectiveness of the treatment is significantly increased by freezing good-quality embryos for later use.
In modern infertility treatment, embryos are always transferred to the uterus one at a time. The embryos can be safely stored for years. Frozen embryo transfer can be performed if a pregnancy cannot be achieved with a fresh embryo transfer within a short time without new hormone stimulation. On the other hand, frozen embryos can be used to achieve a new pregnancy even years later, for example after a pregnancy resulting from a previous transfer. Embryo freezing can be exploited with couples and individuals who want to preserve the possibility of pregnancy in the future and are not immediately ready to start a family. The method is well suited, for example, to women who want to postpone trying for pregnancy to a later date, for example due to work or who have health reasons to delay pregnancy. Embryo freezing provides flexibility and peace of mind, as embryo transfer can be scheduled later according to life circumstances when the time is right.
From the embryos obtained during the fertilization treatment, the best embryo is usually selected for fresh transfer, and the other good quality embryos are frozen (i.e. vitrified) in our clinic's laboratory.
Vitrification is a very fast, efficient and gentle freezing method that protects the embryo from the formation of ice crystals and preserves its structure excellently. Frozen embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 °C under carefully controlled conditions. This ensures the safe preservation of the embryos for possible future frozen embryo transfers (PAS/FET). Since the embryos remain frozen for years without their quality deteriorating, we can plan the timing of new treatment rounds at ease, according to your life situation and wishes. In addition to being used for freezing embryos, vitrification is also suitable for freezing sperm and eggs.
Frozen embryo transfer can be scheduled either:
In a regular cycle, ovulation occurs approximately two weeks before the start of menstruation. With an irregular cycle, timing can be more challenging, and using an ovulation test can be helpful.
The precise determination of ovulation is essential for timing both insemination and embryo transfer. Our experienced fertility specialists will help you choose the most suitable method for your situation and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Current freezing methods are very effective. Over 90 percent of the embryos we freeze remain viable after thawing, and approximately 40 percent of frozen embryo transfers result in pregnancy. The results are comparable to or even better than fresh transfers – especially when the quality of the embryos and the receptivity of the uterus are good. Success is influenced by, among other things:
Embryo freezing provides flexibility in timing your fertility treatment and allows you to continue the process at your own pace. Embryos maintain their quality for years, making it possible to plan for future children without the need for a new stimulation cycle or egg retrieval. A single treatment cycle can provide multiple opportunities for pregnancy, offering a sense of security and peace of mind that you can proceed with your treatment exactly when the time is right.
If you are considering fertility treatment or want to know more about embryo freezing, our experts at Ovumia are happy to help. Book an appointment for your first visit and ask more about embryo freezing – we are here to support you on your journey towards your desired pregnancy. During the first visit, an Ovumia doctor will interview the woman or couple, review the information provided in advance, and listen to your wishes.
