Cryopreservation- semen, egg, embryo

Cryopreservation is a technique used to freeze and then thaw eggs, embryos or sperm for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Thawed sperm may also be used in IUI (intrauterine insemination) treatment cycles. Since 1983, the cryopreservation procedure has resulted in the birth of thousands of babies worldwide. Extended periods of storage have no apparent effect on their viability. Embryos thawed after several years of cryostorage fare as well as those frozen for only one or two months.

Why is embryo cryopreservation done?

• It may not be suitable for the patient to undergo transfer in the treatment cycle .
• Extra embryos can be preserved for future use.
• It can provide another chance to get pregnant if the IVF process fails the first time. The couple will not have to go through IVF again.
• If the man and woman have a baby, they can use the embryos later to have a second baby.
• The woman can save embryos before she begins treatments, such as for cancer that might reduce or eliminate her chances of getting pregnant.
• The embryos could be saved and given to someone else in a donor program.
• The embryos could be saved and donated for research.