IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a sophisticated technique that has been around since the late 1970s. It provides a way for individuals or couples who are struggling with infertility to conceive and have a healthy baby.

However, the IVF treatment process is a long and expensive one, and there are always chances of failure.

Lately, a new technology is changing the way IVF is done. Cryopreserved Embryos or Frozen Embryos have made it possible for couples to have a greater success rate at IVF treatment while reducing the financial and emotional burden.

This article discusses the science behind cryopreserved embryos, its advantages, and how it can shape the future of IVF.

What are cryopreserved embryos?

Cryopreservation refers to the process of freezing something at very low temperatures, usually around -196°C, to preserve it for future use.

In the context of IVF, cryopreserved embryos are created by freezing the fertilized eggs when they have developed into blastocysts. The blastocysts are then preserved in liquid nitrogen until the time comes to use them. This process allows the patients to delay the embryo transfer until they are mentally, emotionally and financially ready to conceive.

The Advantages of Cryopreserving Embryos

Cryopreservation of embryos offers numerous advantages over fresh embryo transfer.

Increased Success Rate

The first and most significant benefit of using cryopreserved embryos is a higher success rate.

It has been observed that during a fresh embryo transfer, numerous hormones and drugs are used, which might put the female body under stress and prevent successful implantation. When embryos are cryopreserved and later transferred during a natural cycle, the treatment is much gentler, and the success rate is higher.

Improved Choice of Embryos

Cryopreservation allows for more flexibility and choice in the selection of embryos. When multiple embryos are created during the IVF process, they can be evaluated for quality and assessed for potential genetic disorders.

The best-quality embryos can be frozen and stored for later use, which means that the couple can avoid having to go through the IVF process again should they want to have more children in the future.

Lower Cost

Cryopreservation of embryos can reduce the overall cost of IVF treatment for patients. During a fresh embryo transfer, many embryos are transferred simultaneously, hoping that at least one of them will develop into a baby.

However, the success rate goes down with every additional embryo implanted, and this can lead to loss of embryos, miscarriage and other complications. When specific embryos are chosen after being cryopreserved, the chances of a successful pregnancy are higher and the overall cost of treatment is lower.

The Future of IVF with Cryopreserved Embryos

The use of cryopreserved embryos is a game-changer in the IVF industry. It has the potential to revolutionize the existing process and offer patients a better quality of care and life. Some possible future implications are listed below:.

Increased Access to IVF

As cryopreservation reduces the cost of treatment and improves chances of success, it is expected that more individuals and couples will consider IVF as an option for achieving a healthy pregnancy.

By making this process more accessible, cryopreservation has the potential to broaden the reach of IVF treatment and pregnancy.

Reduced Risks

The use of cryopreserved embryos reduces the risks associated with the IVF process.

The hormones and drugs taken during the fresh embryo transfer can put the body under stress and increase the risk of complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, blood clotting disorders, and multiple pregnancies. With cryopreserving embryos, the number of hormones and drugs reduces, thereby reducing the stress on the body and minimizing the risk of complications.

Increased Opportunities for Genetic Testing

Cryopreservation offers increased opportunities for genetic testing. When embryos are cryopreserved, they can be genetically tested, allowing for the identification of any genetic disorders before implantation.

This can prevent the implantation of embryos with genetic disorders and reduce the risk of the baby being born with genetic conditions.

Better Fertility Preservation

Cryopreservation can also advance the cause of fertility preservation.

For individuals suffering from cancer or other diseases that affect their fertility, cryopreservation can provide a way to preserve their embryos before they undergo chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Preservation of the embryos or eggs reduces the risk of fertility loss and gives individuals the opportunity to have a family in the future.

Conclusion

Cryopreserved embryos are a game-changer in the IVF industry. This technology has opened up new opportunities for individuals and couples struggling with infertility.

The advantages of cryopreservation include higher success rates, improved choice of embryos, and lower costs. It provides hope for individuals suffering from cancer or other diseases that affect their fertility. Cryopreservation is expected to revolutionize the existing process and offer patients a better quality of care and life.

Its possibilities for better and gentler IVF treatment can lead to revolutionizing the field of reproductive medicine, benefiting countless individuals in the future.