Embryo freezing

What is embryo freezing?

Embryo freezing is the process where embryos created in the laboratory are frozen using the latest Vitrification technique (also known as fast freezing) and stored safely for future use.

Embryos can be frozen as a way of preserving fertility or as part of IVF treatment, where any embryos of good quality not transferred are frozen. Any embryos frozen can be thawed and transferred into the womb during a simple procedure called a Frozen Embryo Transfer.

Frozen embryos have a longer history of success than frozen eggs and can give women more freedom to choose when to have a baby. Frozen embryos may offer women a better chance of a successful pregnancy in later life than trying to conceive naturally or using their older, fresh eggs in fertility treatment.

Embryo freezing during IVF treatment

Sometimes, during IVF treatment, more than one good quality embryo is created. Where any excess high-quality embryos are not transferred during the fresh cycle, we offer our patients the option to freeze their embryos in case they would like to undergo treatment again in the future, or if they’d like to grow their family.

At CREATE Fertility, women’s health and safety is paramount and if, for any reason, our Consultants believe the patient’s health could be at risk during IVF treatment, we will offer the option to freeze any embryos created.

Your embryos will be frozen using the latest fast-freezing technique called Vitrification. Our Scientific Director, R C Chian, is a renowned pioneer and expert in this technology and has trained many of our embryologists in this new technique.

Medical Director, Professor Geeta Nargund

What does embryo freezing involve?

Whether we are freezing your embryos as part of an IVF cycle or in a stand-alone procedure with the aim of preserving your fertility, the freezing process is the same.

Once your eggs are fertilised with sperm in the lab, we will carefully monitor how your embryos are developing and keep you informed throughout. Our expert embryology team will discuss the quality of your embryos with you and any high-quality ones you would like us to freeze and store will be placed in individual ‘straws’ and then covered in a special solution to protect them in storage.
Finally, your embryos will be frozen using the latest fast-freezing technique called Vitrification. Our Scientific Director, R C Chian, is a renowned pioneer and expert in this technology and has trained many of our embryologists in this new technique.
When you’re ready to use your embryos we’ll remove your chosen embryo from storage and carefully thaw it. Then, if it’s good enough quality, we’ll prepare it for transfer in a simple procedure called a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET).

How successful is embryo freezing?

The development of the Vitrification technology, which helps to prevent the formation of ice crystals within the embryo, has significantly improved the survival rate of embryos during the thawing process.

Recent studies suggest that if you directly compare top quality fresh and frozen, the frozen embryos may in fact yield a better pregnancy outcome, along with a lower chance of obstetric complications such as preterm labour and fetal growth restriction.

Ultimately, your own success rate with frozen embryos depends on the quality of the embryo at the time of freezing. To find out your personalised success rate you will need to come in for an Initial Consultation where a Doctor can assess your fertility and medical history.

Embryo Freezing £1,140*

Includes 2 years storage. This is in addition to an IVF cycle.

Have more questions about embryo freezing?

Call us to speak to our experienced team

Call us on 0333 240 7300