Embryo freezing, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is gaining popularity among working women and couples who want to delay pregnancy. The process involves preparing the ovaries, extracting eggs, fertilizing the eggs with sperm to form embryos, and then freezing the embryos with special techniques. This option enables individuals to plan families, especially those who need medical procedures that might affect their future ability to conceive, or those who are not yet ready to have children but want to keep their options open. Our state-of-the-art facilities at Apollo Fertility guarantee that your embryos are frozen safely, so they are healthy when you are ready to start your family.
Understanding Embryo Freezing: The Process and Benefits
Embryo freezing is an effective method of preserving fertility and makes family planning flexible. It provides people with choices for their reproductive plans depending on their life situations.
We begin the embryo freezing procedure at Apollo Fertility by administering hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries and recover multiple eggs. After the eggs are mature, our specialists conduct a straightforward egg retrieval procedure when the patient is lightly sedated. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm in our laboratory to produce embryos, which are allowed to develop for 5-7 days before being frozen using a procedure known as vitrification, which avoids the formation of destructive ice crystals. The procedure is beneficial for many individuals, such as:
- Those undergoing fertility treatment and have healthy embryos available for future use.
- Patients with cancer treatment or other therapy that may impact fertility.
- Individuals scheduled for gender affirmation surgery who wish to preserve fertility.
- Individuals who prefer to postpone childbearing for professional or other purposes.
- Patients who are likely to develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with IVF.
With embryo freezing, Apollo Fertility provides you with greater control over your reproductive cycle. You can still have high pregnancy rates with frozen embryos.
The Science Behind Embryo Freezing
The miracle technology of freezing embryos has advanced significantly since the first successful applications in the late 1980s. Today, this technique ensures excellent rates of preservation and viability when the embryos are thawed.
At Apollo Fertility, embryos are preserved through the technique of vitrification. This rapid freezing converts the water in embryonic cells into a glassy form without causing cell-damaging ice crystal formation. This technique begins with the use of cryoprotectants that serve as a replacement for cellular water. It prepares the embryos to withstand the extreme temperature reduction to -196°C for freezing in liquid nitrogen storage. Our laboratory experts make sure to:
- Assess embryo quality prior to freezing, choosing those with the best development.
- Record the precise time of cryoprotectant exposure.
- Ensure that you implement rigorous quality checks during the vitrification process.
- Apply proper labeling and follow-up procedures for stored embryos.
Apollo Fertility Embryo Freezing Experience: What to Expect
At Apollo Fertility, the process of embryo freezing combines science with personalized care. We treat you with kindness and honesty throughout every step of the process, from consultation to long-term storage.
Embryo freezing begins with comprehensive fertility testing and consultation with our specialists. We will check your ovarian reserve, hormonal balance, and general well-being and come up with a tailor-made stimulation protocol. Our specialists provide clear advice, psychological counseling, and easy communication throughout your journey. The timelines for the entire process consist of:
- First-time consultation and check-up on fertility
- Ovarian stimulation and follow-ups (10-14 days)
- Egg pick-up procedure under sedation (30-45 minutes)
- Laboratory fertilization and culture of embryos (5-7 days)
- Embryo grading and evaluation
- Vitrification and safe storage
- Periodic checks and storage regulations
Cost Considerations for Embryo Freezing
At Apollo Fertility, the cost of freezing embryos includes several important steps. The final amount may vary based on individual needs, but here’s what’s usually covered:
- Initial consultation and fertility evaluation
- Hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries
- Egg retrieval procedure (a short surgery to collect eggs)
- Fertilization in the lab (eggs are combined with sperm)
- Embryo development and monitoring
- Freezing the embryos (also called vitrification)
- Storage fees for keeping the embryos frozen (charged yearly)
- Future costs for thawing and transferring the embryos when you're ready to try for pregnancy
Apollo Fertility provides a detailed cost breakdown upfront, so you can plan with confidence and avoid unexpected expenses. We also help patients find potential insurance coverage, as some policies can cover part of the procedure, especially if it is medically necessary. Our financial advisors help you make these arrangements so that financial concerns do not stand in the way of your fertility preservation process.
Plan Your Future Family With Embryo Freezing At Apollo Fertility!
Your path to parenthood is worthy of the finest care and knowledge. Apollo Fertility will assist you in protecting your fertility to have children with the most advanced embryo freezing technology.
The initial step towards pursuing freezing embryos is a very important decision that holds promise for the future of your family. Our caring fertility specialists at Apollo Fertility welcome you to arrange an appointment to visit us for a consultation and explore your case and whether embryo freezing is the right choice for the aspirations of your family. Call Apollo Fertility today or visit our website to make an appointment.
Embryos are stored for several years without any quality loss. Government recommendations typically provide storage durations of a maximum of 10 years, but several embryos are used successfully even after being stored for a few more years. Apollo Fertility provides the most suitable conditions for embryo storage and monitors them periodically to keep them in a healthy state for a long time.
Success rates with frozen embryos are similar and even higher at times than fresh embryo transfers. Pregnancy rates are mostly dependent on the age of the woman when the eggs were retrieved, with women under the age of 35 having the highest success rates. At Apollo Fertility, our freezing methods guarantee that more than 95% of embryos survive the thawing process, providing great chances for a successful pregnancy.
The egg retrieval procedure, which is performed prior to the freezing of the embryos, is conducted under sedation to make it comfortable. Patients experience minimal or no pain during the procedure. Some women may experience minimal cramping or bloating afterwards, but even that disappears within a few days. Our team offers adequate pain control and post-procedure instructions so that you will be as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
Yes, freezing embryos gives you the choice of when you would like to have children. Your embryos can be kept frozen for a few years, so you have the choice of determining when you are ready to begin or expand your family. When you are ready to use your embryos, our team will assist you in thawing and transferring them, which you can have done at a convenient time.
If you do not wish to utilize your frozen embryos, there are certain alternatives. You may donate them to other infertile couples, donate them for research with proper permission, or request that they be discarded. Apollo Fertility offers you full support to help you make informed decisions regarding your stored embryos so that your decisions are based on your own values and preferences.
