Embryo Freezing is the technique of freezing embryos in order to safeguard them for future use. The In vitro fertilisation (IVF) method, which employs fertility pills to kindle ovulation, frequently produces scores of embryos after successful execution. As the possibility of pregnancy increases with the number of available embryos, a number of couples are left with a excess number of unnecessary embryos. These spare embryos either are used for research or are discarded. However, with advancements in the reproductive medical science, the embryos can now be frozen or cryopreserved for future use by the same couple or by any another couple who wishes to use a donated embryo.
Science behind Embryo Freezing
The tissues of the embryos sustain water like any other living organisms. This water content has to be eliminated in order to avoid the formation of ice crystals. These ice crystals may lead to the breakage of the delicate embryo cells. After removing the water content completely, the embryo cells are combined with a cryo-protectant fluid (which avoids formation of ice crystals) and then sealed in a plastic or glass module. With the help of a programmed machine, the complete mixture is frozen in liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature (-320.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
Thawing of Embryos
The frozen embryos are removed from the container and brought up to the atmospheric temperature during the procedure of thawing. Also, the cryo-protectant fluid is slowly eradicated and later, it is attenuated with water. The entire process of thawing is done meticulously as the embryo cells are very delicate and break if water is sent into the cells excessively. The embryo is implanted in your uterus after bringing it at par with the room temperature.
Who Can Use Frozen Embryos?
The transfer of frozen embryos can be successfully achieved for women with untimely menstrual cycles or by women with other issues related to conceiving. This transfer is stimulated by a natural cycle which involves the priming of the endometrium to enhance its receptivity to the embryos. As the rate of pregnancy with high-quality frozen embryos is as good as that with new embryos, you are thus advised by the experts to freeze and preserve embryos rather than discarding them. Apart from acting as insurance in case of failed fresh embryo transfer, the procedure of freezing an embryo is also considerably less costly than starting a new cycle.
Benefits of Embryo Freezing
Due to the developing technology, it is now possible to thaw these embryos and preserve them in liquid nitrogen. You can make use of your spare embryo at a later stage, if you choose to get pregnant again. The stored embryos enable you to circumvent the repetitive procedure of superovulation and egg collection. In addition, medical experts have the opinion that the receptivity of the uterus to these embryos is better as their transfer is done by natural methods, without involving the usage of any hormonal injections.
