Your Trusted Guide to Embryo Freezing & Storage
CRYOPRESERVATION
Understand the Steps and Stages of Embryo Freezing
Learn what happens before, during, and after embryo cryopreservation and what choices you have.
What Happens Before Embryo Cryopreservation?
Before freezing embryos, you must provide consent. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed consent forms outlining:
- 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
What Happens After Embryo Freezing?
Two freezing methods are used:
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
Make Sure You're Aware of the Positives and Negatives Associated with Cryopreservation
Even though this may be the right choice for certain individuals, there are always benefits and risks to weigh when considering this delicate procedure.
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)
Know your Options when Researching Embryo Storage
There are lots to consider when deciding what type of embryo storage solution to use, from insurance considerations to security.
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
Things to 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
One of the Most Critical Steps to Ensuring Successful Cryopreservation
The physical well-being of your embryos are crucial to cryopreservation. Safe, experienced transport is an important step not to overlook.
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 Company Links (Not Affiliated with JFF)
Trusted Resources
JFF is committed to providing accessible embryo storage and transport information. Explore these expert-vetted resources:
Understanding Cryopreservation
State-Specific Laws
Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or legal advice.
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