What are Embryo Freezing and its Benefits

IVF is one of the most sought techniques for alternate pregnancy in the world. Various researches are being made in this field. There are many advances made in this field to help people with diverse problems related to pregnancy. One of the most commendable advances made in IVF treatment is Embryo freezing.

Embryo freezing or embryo cryopreservation in simple words is a method of preserving the embryos so that they can be used further. The whole process takes place in a laboratory, and the embryos are stored safely in the laboratory itself. Some features of the embryo cryopreservation are:

During the IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) cycle or the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) when the woman's ovaries are stimulated, multiple eggs develop in the woman's body. These eggs are processed in the laboratory to form the embryo and are preserved.

The embryos are stored in laboratories by freezing. The embryos are cooled below sub-zero temperatures that are, -196 degree Celsius.

The most crucial technique in preserving the embryo is Vitrification and slow but programmed freezing. Slow freezing, as the name suggests means letting the embryo freeze slowly and reach the temperatures that are desired. While this process is happening, there is a high risk of the embryo being damaged due to the formation of ice crystals in the embryo. Vitrification is a process that compliments the slow freezing technique. It helps the embryo freeze to the desired temperature of -196 degrees C within minutes. This helps as there are no ice crystals formed.

The embryo stored is of good quality and be saved for many years.

1. The process of freezing embryos has been widely accepted by all the Best IVF center in India and all around the globe. This technique requires a good infrastructure and experts to look after the patient and the embryos. There are several benefits of this technique that is making is very popular:
   
   
2. The ideal age for conceiving in women is from teens to the mid-thirties. In this age, the women are more fertile, and hence it is the perfect time for pregnancy. While this may be the best time to plan a baby physically, many women are at the cusp at their careers and are not ready to start a family, financially and mentally. Such women can freeze their healthy embryos at a younger age and use them later.
   
   
3. It is advised to freeze the embryo from your first IVF cycle and use them later. The best of best IVF center in India suggest this. In case the IVF cycle fails, preserving the embryos from the first IVF cycle saves money, saves the woman from the painful hormonal treatment.

4. On freezing the embryo, you can decide the time of when you want the Frozen Embryo Transfer(FET) to happen. You can plan months.
   
   
5. FET cycles cost less as compared to IVF cycles.
   
   
6. The preserved embryos can be used anytime that you want. One can freeze the embryo and use it while planning your second child.
   
   
7. For some patients, the medicines prescribed for stimulation of ovaries may shoot the progesterone level beyond the normal upper threshold. In this condition, the body becomes less receptive towards embryo implantation. For such patients, IVF cycles are complimented with Frozen embryo transfer.
   
   
8.  Embryo cryopreservation is recommended to women with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Instead of going through a fresh embryo transfer, a preserved embryo is preferred.
   
   
9. Couples detected with a risk of having a genetically challenged child should go for embryo freezing. On freezing the embryo, the embryologists can examine each embryo for genetic mutation and keep only the strong and healthy embryos can be used for transfer.
   
   
10. IVF treatment was earlier infamous for always giving birth to twins or triplets. Now after several technological advancements, the chances of having more than one child can be eliminated by screening the embryo. Also, since lesser embryos are inserted, multiple gestations can be eliminated.
    
    
11. A lot of couples suffering from a repeated loss of pregnancy can freeze their embryo, run it through the Preimplantation genetic screening test to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
    
    
12. Cryopreservation is also a right option for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer treatments often impact the reproductive system.
    
    
13. Patients with different medical syndromes and conditions such as suboptimal uterine lining and cervical stenosis are often advised to go for cryopreservation method.

Couples who opt for frozen embryo transfer are seen to have a higher success rate in case of IVF. Problems such as low birth weights, congenital disabilities in children, miscarriages, lower ectopic pregnancies can be easily avoided with the help of embryo freezing. Other problems leading to miscarriage can also be avoided with embryo freezing. Embryo freezing has many benefits associated with it and looking at these benefits, and many people are turning towards it.