The face of fertility treatment has evolved significantly over the decades. Currently, most patients who decide to do IVF, whether struggling with infertility, facing health concerns requiring fertility preservation, or just not ready for the next chapter of their life, will utilize embryo freezing as a part of their fertility care.
Derica Anderson, Director of Laboratory Services at Blue Sky Fertility has been with Blue Sky since opening in 2016. Derica oversees all lab process at Blue Sky and works closely with her team to ensure we can serve our patients, and their embryos, with the highest form of care in every aspect!
What is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing (also called cryopreservation) is the process of preserving embryos at specific stages of their development in order to utilize to attempt pregnancy at a later time.
There are a wide range of seasons someone would opt for embryo freezing:
- To allow for genetic screening of the embryos
- To preserve all viable embryos in an IVF cycle
- Medical treatments that may harm fertility (e.g. Chemo, Radiation, and some medications)
- Delaying pregnancy
- Future family planning
Patients who choose embryo freezing come from all walks of life and bring their own unique stories and goals. This option opens the door to more possibilities for building a family when the time is right.
How the Embryo Freezing Process Works
The embryo freezing process involves a few key steps to create safe, viable embryos for future use. While it may feel overwhelming at first, the team at Blue Sky Fertility will guide you every step of the way.
- Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
- Medications will be taken to stimulate the ovaries and synchronize the growth of eggs in the ovaries.
- Once the eggs are ready, they’re retrieved during a brief outpatient procedure under anesthesia.
- Fertilization and Embryo Culture
- Eggs that were collected from the retrieval would be fertilized with sperm in the lab.
- The embryos would be grown to the appropriate stage called the blastocyst stage.
- Depending on the treatment plan, embryos may be biopsied at this point for genetic screening.
- Vitrification (Freezing)
- Embryos are quickly frozen using a method called vitrification, which prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the cells.
- This technique has a high survival rate, making it the preferred method for freezing embryos today.
How Long Can Embryos Stay Frozen?
If stored in proper conditions these embryos can be used whenever a family is ready to grow.
Often people are worried about how this would affect the embryo in adulthood. There are many documentations of scientific data showing no increase in risk of complication or birth defects even after long-term storage.
The key factor to success in embryo freezing is influenced by the age and health of the person at the time of egg retrieval, not how long embryos are frozen.
Important Things to Know About Long-Term Storage
Embryos can remain frozen indefinitely as long as they’re stored under proper conditions in a certified laboratory.
There have been successful pregnancies with embryos frozen for 10, 15, even 30 years!
Many patients worry about whether long-term storage affects embryo health. The good news: research shows no increased risk of complication or birth defects, even after extended storage.
The most important factor influencing success is the age and overall health of patient, and sperm and egg health at the time the eggs were retrieved, not how long the embryos have been frozen.
Why Embryo Freezing Is a Reliable Fertility Preservation Option
Embryo freezing gives flexibility and peace of mind.
The prime age for egg retrieval for fertility preservation is under 35, but for many, building a family isn’t on the to-do list at that age. Embryo freezing allows you to preserve your fertility potential and take control of your family planning timeline.
If you’re considering egg or embryo freezing, consult with a fertility specialist who can help create a plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
When you’re ready to take control of your fertility and family planning, contact Blue Sky Fertility. We would love to help make your family a reality.
Derica Anderson is the Director of Laboratory Services and a Senior Embryologist at Blue Sky Fertility. She earned her Bachelors in Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri (MIZ!) where she discovered her passion for fertility care. Motivated by the challenging and demanding nature of embryology, she thrives on tackling even the most difficult laboratory cases with dedication, enthusiasm, and vigilance. She continually strives to ensure that patients are well-informed and feel supported as they navigate the difficult path of infertility.
