Embryo Biopsy

INTRODUCTION

The process of cryopreservation involves freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos at sub-zero temperatures for later use. A fertilized egg, sperm, or an embryo is thawed and used in a fertility treatment cycle when needed. Sperm is used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). When it comes to procedures associated with IVF, eggs, and embryos are used. Cells that have been frozen can be preserved for a long time through cryopreservation. While the cells are frozen, all biological activity ceases until they are thawed.

WHY CRYOPRESERVATION

Embryo freezing can help people get pregnant later in life if they are facing current barriers, such as: Advancing age. Gender transition. Infertility issues. Social/personal reasons like if you’re pursuing higher-level education or have professional demands and plan to delay pregnancy for several years. Treatment that may damage fertility (for example, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy for cancer). Upcoming military deployment. Freezing embryos is a personal decision. Treatment costs vary widely, and medical insurance doesn’t always cover fertility treatments. Consider your goals, the costs, ethical issues, your partner’s preferences, and other factors.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM IVF

Cryopreservation may be a better choice for some groups, such as:

CRYOPRESERVATION PROCEDURE

Vitrification and slow freezing are the two methods of freezing embryos. In vitrification, fertility professionals:

  • To protect the embryos, add a cryoprotective agent (CPA). It acts like antifreeze and protects cells from ice crystals.
  • Place the embryos immediately into liquid nitrogen tanks at -321° Fahrenheit (-196.1° Celsius).

Although slow freezing has fallen out of favor, some fertility specialists still use it. During slow freezing, fertility specialists:

  • A cryoprotective agent (CPA) is used in smaller amounts than in vitrification.
  • Cool the embryos in a machine for about two hours, slowly lowering their temperature.
  • Remove the embryos from the cooler and store them in liquid nitrogen tanks at -321° Fahrenheit (-196.1° Celsius).

In either process, the embryos are as follows:

  • Stored in containers that look like small straws.
  • They are labeled with details that identify them as yours. The embryos remain at their biological age when frozen.

The embryo has not aged if you freeze it at 35 and then use it at 50.

Fertility specialists will perform the following steps if frozen embryos are needed later on:

  • Remove the embryos from the liquid nitrogen.
  • Let them slowly return to normal temperature.
  • Remove CPA by soaking them.
  • Use the embryos as indicated.

RESULTS

When an embryo is thawed and implanted into a woman’s uterus, it is known as a frozen embryo transfer. The process is often successful. However, success rates vary widely depending on a variety of factors.

  • The overall health of both parents.
  • Age of the mother at the time of egg retrieval.
  • Existence of fertility conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or uterine polyps.
  • Previous success or failure with fertility treatments.

Our goal is to help you identify factors that may impact your chances of success.