Your Trusted Guide to Embryo Freezing & Storage
Made possible by generous support from Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta
CRYOPRESERVATION
What Happens Before Embryo Cryopreservation?
- The number of embryos to be frozen
- The duration of storage (typically 10 years)
- Procedures following storage expiration
- Decisions in case of incapacity or death
- Approved uses of the embryos (e.g., personal fertility treatment, donation for research or to other couples)
Your provider will also help determine the best embryonic stage for freezing:
- Cleavage Stage: 4-8 cell development (~72 hours)
- Blastocyst Stage: 200-300 cell development (5-7 days)
What Happens During Embryo Cryopreservation?
Two freezing methods are used:
Vitrification:
- Cryoprotective agent (CPA) is added to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Embryos are immediately placed in liquid nitrogen (-321°F / -196.1°C).
Slow Freezing (less common):
- CPA is added gradually.
- Temperature is slowly reduced over ~2 hours.
- Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen.
Regardless of the method, embryos are:
- Stored in straw-like containers
- Clearly labeled for identification
What Happens After Embryo Freezing?
When needed, frozen embryos are:
- Removed from storage
- Gradually returned to normal temperature
- Treated to remove CPA
- Transferred for implantation or other approved use
BENEFITS & RISKS
Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Cryopreservation
Advantages of Embryo Freezing
Allows pregnancy at a later stage due to:
- Advancing age
- Gender transition
- Infertility treatments
- Career or personal planning
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
- Military deployment
- Single women preserving fertility via donor sperm
Risks and Complications
- Potential damage during freezing
- Some embryos may not be viable
- Pregnancy may not occur post-thawing
- Higher rates of medical issues like preeclampsia
- Increased likelihood of multiple births (twins, triplets)
EMBRYO STORAGE (CRYOFUTURE)
What to Consider while researching Embryo Storage
Costs and Storage Duration
- Freezing costs range from $1,400 – $1,500 per IVF cycle plus annual storage fees.
- Embryos can remain viable for decades under optimal storage conditions.
Insurance Coverage
- Insurance policies vary; check coverage for embryo freezing specifically.
Storage Process
- Consultation with fertility specialist
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Fertilization
- Freezing (vitrification or slow-freezing)
- Storage in liquid nitrogen
Choosing an Embryo Storage Facility
Look for:
- Advanced Monitoring: Continuous tracking of storage conditions
- State-of-the-Art Security: Protection from unauthorized access
- Expert Handling: Managed by trained embryologists
EMBRYO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
How to Transport Embryos
Self-Transport
- Short distances may allow self-transport; confirm with your clinic.
Hiring an Embryo Transport Service
Key considerations:
- Reputation & Experience: Reviews, clinic recommendations
- Compliance & Certification: Meets industry regulations
- Technology & Equipment: Temperature-controlled containers
- Customer Support: Reliable communication
- Cost & Insurance: Ensure coverage for transit risks
Recommended Companies (Not Affiliated with JFF)
- Cryoport Systems CryoStork
- CryoFuture
- Core Cryolab
- ReproTech
- Fertility Storage Solutions
