EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION

EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION

An Embryo is an early stage of development for an unborn baby. Unlike sperm and egg freezing, embryos are also freeze and stored scientifically in a laboratory. Embryo Cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing embryos. This is a vital part in most of the In Vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Embryo Cryopreservation is the most effective technique for fertility preservation in women. The ability to freeze and thaw embryos successfully is one of the greatest advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Our IVF center in Andheri has a modern laboratory for embryo storing and embryo freezing facilities. We provide all types of advanced fertility treatments to cure any complicated infertility diseases successfully. Dr. Rita Modi an Infertility specialist in Andheri, mainly focus on every patient’s specific diagnosis and provides a holistic approach to fertility treatment. Many years of extensive experience, expertise and advanced medical techniques help us to achieve higher success rates for every couple undergoing fertility treatment with us.

Need of Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryo Cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing the extra embryos. The embryos are then thawed and used in the future. Embryo Cryopreservation is a crucial part of most IVF programs. There are many reasons a man and woman choose to freeze and store their embryos including:

  • Couple feels it is a better option than destroying extra embryos.
  • Embryo Cryopreservation provides another chance to get pregnant if the IVF process fails at the first time. In such case, there is no need for couple to go through IVF treatment again.
  • If couple having a baby then they can use the embryos later to have a second baby.
  • The woman can save embryos before the beginning of cancer treatments, which can reduce her chances of getting pregnant.
  • To give to someone else in an embryo donor program.
  • To donate embryo for advanced research program.

Advantages of Embryo Freezing

  • Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles are less costly than fresh cycles.
  • Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles are easier because there is no need for surgery or anesthesia.
  • The harvested eggs are evaluated for health and quality
  • FET allows patients to reduce their risk of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome while maintaining excellent success rates.
  • Frozen embryos allow for genetic testing.

Procedure of Embryo Cryopreservation

 

  • A cell is made up mostly of water. Hence there is a risk of ice forming in and between the cells while freezing embryos. Ice crystals can damage the cell wall.
  • It is very necessary to protect embryos during freezing process. This is done using special fluids called as Cryoprotective Agents. This CPAs are act as anti-freeze for cells.
  • Doctor uses Slow Programmable Freezing and Vitrification methods to freeze and preserve embryos.
  • In the Slow Freezing Method, the embryos are frozen slowly in stages. The CPAs are added to the embryos in increasing strengths over 10 to 20 minutes. Then the embryos are slowly cooled over two hours in a machine that lowers the temperature minute by minute. Once embryos are frozen then they are stored in liquid nitrogen.
  • Vitrification is a rapid freezing technique that uses much higher strengths of CPAs. In this method, the doctor first mixes the CPAs with the embryos. Then embryos are quickly placed into the liquid nitrogen to prevent damage to the cells due to the strong CPA. This process changes embryos into solid state. In this state, ice is not formed.
  • Finally, embryos are slowly thawed as per the requirement. Then they are soaked in special fluids to remove the CPAs.

 

Risk of Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryo Cryopresentation is a safer procedure. Embryos are often frozen from one to six days after they are made. Once they are frozen, the embryos are stored in sealed liquid nitrogen freezers. Embryos can be frozen in liquid nitrogen for many years. Freezing and thawing embryos does not harm the baby. Children born from frozen embryos have no risk of birth defects or health problems than children born from embryos that were not frozen. Many healthy babies are born from frozen and thawed embryos. Some babies are born from embryos frozen for more than 10 years.

Our IVF center in Andheri is managed by an expert and experienced Infertility specialist doctor who ensures greatest quality treatment. We completely understand the sensitivity of infertility issues and its effects on couple’s relationship, hence we have a positive approach to deal with such infertility issues. Dr Rita Modi, an Infertility specialist in Andheri provides a personalized care for every individual. We ethically help our patients to determine the most appropriate treatment plan in achieving a dream of having children.