When it comes to IVF, the process of embryo thawing plays a crucial role in turning frozen possibilities into real-life outcomes. With the help of the cation process, IVF labs can safely thaw embryos with high success rates. devitrify
How does embryo thawing work? In this process, doctors gently warm frozen embryos to body temperature. The cryoprotectants that maintain their viability at freezing temperatures (-196ºC) are replaced with water, letting the embryos “reactivate” and keep on developing. This boosts the probability of a successful pregnancy.
How much time does it take for embryo thawing?
Contrary to a common misconception, embryo thawing isn’t a long complicated process. It only takes a few minutes (around 10-20 minutes)
- Retrieving from Storage: The embryologist removes the embryo from liquid nitrogen storage, where it was preserved at -196°C to maintain its quality.
- Regulated warming: The embryo is gradually warmed using a carefully controlled process to prevent any sudden temperature changes that could cause damage.
- Rehydrating the embryos: As vitrification eliminates water to prevent ice crystal formation, this step restores the embryo’s natural fluid balance, making sure that it functions fine.
- Thorough quality check: An embryologist examines the embryo under a microscope to assess its condition and ensure it has survived the thawing process intact.
- Most embryos (over 95%) survive thawing and remain viable for implantation. Within minutes, the embryo is fully prepared for transfer, bringing you one step closer to pregnancy.
Does whether the embryo is fresh or cryopreserved (and subsequently undergoes embryo thawing) affect the likelihood of a successful pregnancy?
A common question that couples have when considering embryo transfers is, “Is a fresh embryo transfer better than a frozen one?
Frozen embryo transfers (FET) are just as successful as fresh ones, and in some cases, they might carry more benefits.
- Your body is in a better state: After hormone stimulation during a fresh cycle, your uterus still changes to adapt. Whereas, when you opt for a frozen embryo transfer, With embryo warming, your body is often in a more natural, balanced state, improving implantation chances.
- Lesser chances of complications: Women with fertility problems like PCOS or hormonal imbalances are more prone to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during a fresh cycle. With FET, you are likely to keep it at bay, making the process safer and more comfortable.
- Offers strong success rates: Medical studies affirm that frozen embryo transfers can be at least equally effective, if not more successful than fresh embryo transfers. For a fact, in some instances, the success rates for FET may even exceed those of fresh transfers, as your body’s receptivity for implantation is optimized.
So, if you wish to go for frozen embryo transfer, don’t fret about success rates. FET has shown comparable success to fresh transfers. It can offer a better chance of a successful pregnancy.
How does the length of embryo vitrification affect its quality and success?
Among the major concerns that people have about frozen embryos is whether they can “expire” or lose their viability over time. Embryos can remain frozen for years without losing their quality. Thanks to a technique called vitrification, a rapid freezing process, embryos are preserved in a suspended state. This keeps the embryos safe from any damage and keeps them intact for a long period. The longest frozen embryo that proved to be successful was stored for 27 years!
The following major factors determine the success of an embryo transfer, including embryo thawing:
- Female’s age during egg retrieval: Younger eggs tend to have a higher success rate.
- Embryo quality before freezing: Stronger, healthier embryos tend to survive the thawing process better.
If your embryo has been frozen for months or even years, it is absolutely safe. It still has a strong chance of leading to a successful pregnancy.
Does using frozen embryos affect the health of the child born?
Many people have this concern if babies born from frozen embryos are just as healthy as those from fresh transfers. Research shows no long-term health risks, and some studies even suggest that FET babies may have slightly higher birth weights. What truly impacts a baby’s health are factors like the mother’s age at egg retrieval, underlying fertility conditions, and overall well-being.
With ongoing research and years of successful outcomes, frozen embryo transfers remain a safe and effective option. If you’re considering IVF, our team of specialists at Ferticity IVF & Fertility Clinics await you.