EMBRYO FREEZING
Comprehensive Guide to Embryo Freezing by Nicosia Fertility
Embryo freezing, also referred to as embryo cryopreservation, is a groundbreaking fertility preservation technique that has revolutionized reproductive medicine. This process allows individuals and couples to store fertilized eggs (embryos) for future use, providing unmatched flexibility in family planning and significantly enhancing the chances of conception. At Nicosia Fertility, we are proud to offer advanced embryo freezing services, supporting patients in their journey toward parenthood with cutting-edge technology and personalized care.
What Is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing involves fertilizing eggs in a laboratory setting and preserving the resulting embryos at ultra-low temperatures in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Many individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) often have surplus embryos remaining after a treatment cycle.
These embryos can be cryopreserved for future use, either to attempt another pregnancy if the initial IVF cycle does not result in success or to plan for a sibling at a later date if the first cycle is successful. The process is a cornerstone of modern fertility care, offering options to overcome both medical and personal challenges to reproduction.
The Embryo Freezing Process
During an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries after controlled ovarian stimulation. These eggs are then fertilized with partner or donor sperm in a controlled laboratory environment.
The fertilized eggs are cultured in a specialized medium for several days, typically until they reach the blastocyst stage (5–7 days post-fertilization). Blastocyst-stage embryos are more likely to implant successfully, making them ideal for freezing.
Embryos are preserved using a rapid freezing technique known as vitrification. This process prevents ice crystal formation, which can damage cells, and ensures optimal survival rates during thawing.
Once vitrified, embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen tanks, where they remain in suspended animation. This state halts all biological activity, preserving the embryos’ viability for future use.
When the patient is ready for a frozen embryo transfer (FET), the embryos are carefully thawed in a controlled environment. Over 95% of embryos survive the thawing process, retaining their potential for successful implantation and pregnancy.
Who Should Consider Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing is a versatile solution for individuals and couples in a variety of situations.
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Medical Reasons
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Elective Fertility Preservation
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LGBTQ+ Family Building
Why Choose Nicosia Fertility for Embryo Freezing?
At Nicosia Fertility, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to deliver unparalleled fertility services. Our embryo freezing program is designed to provide patients with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and support. Here’s why patients trust us with their fertility journey:
State-of-the-Art Laboratory
Our cutting-edge lab facilities ensure the best outcomes in embryo freezing, thawing, and transfer.
Experienced Specialists
Our dedicated team of fertility experts is skilled in handling even the most complex cases, offering personalized solutions to meet your unique needs.
Patient-Centered Approach
We are committed to empowering patients through education, clear communication, and emotional support at every stage.
Flexible Family Planning
Whether preserving fertility for medical reasons or planning for future family growth, we help patients achieve their dreams of parenthood on their terms.
Contact Us Today
If you’re considering embryo freezing or would like to learn more about our fertility preservation options, Nicosia Fertility is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you take control of your reproductive future and make your family-building dreams a reality. Schedule your consultation today!
FAQs About Embryo Freezing at Nicosia Fertility
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Sperm freezing, also known as cryopreservation, preserves a man’s fertility by storing sperm cells in liquid nitrogen for future use in treatments like IVF or artificial insemination.
We use the vitrification technique, an advanced freezing method that minimizes ice crystal formation, ensuring high survival rates during the thawing process.
Embryo freezing is recommended for patients with extra embryos after IVF, those at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), or individuals postponing embryo transfer due to medical or personal reasons.
Each vial can hold up to three embryos. However, when thawing, all embryos in a single vial must be used together. During your consultation, we will discuss how to organize freezing based on the number and quality of your embryos to align with your future plans.
Embryos can remain frozen indefinitely without losing viability. Cryopreservation halts biological activity, preserving the embryos for future use.
1 vial: €600
2 vials: €900
3 vials: €1,500Frozen embryo transfers are highly successful, often with pregnancy rates comparable to or even higher than fresh transfers, due to better uterine preparation.
The process is safe, with a 95% survival rate for embryos during thawing. The risk of birth defects in children born from frozen embryos is equivalent to those conceived naturally.
Only embryos of good quality are selected for freezing, as these have the best chance of surviving the freezing and thawing process.
Future options include using the embryos, continued storage, or donating them for research or to other couples. These decisions will be discussed during your treatment planning.
