UCSF University of California, San Francisco
About UCSF
UCSF Children's Hospital
Search

Welcome

Hospitals and Clinics

Appointments

Billing

Directions

Gift Shops

Health Insurance

Medical Records

Patient Mail

Phone Numbers

Visiting Hours

...and more

Doctor Directory

Appointments

Health Insurance

Overview

A-Z Conditions

Arthritis

Bone Marrow Transplant

Cancer

Children's Services

Heart Care

Hormonal Disorders

Memory Disorders

Neurological Disorders

Organ Transplants

Orthopedics

Primary Care

Women's Health

...and more

Overview

Clinical Trials

Conditions

Events and Classes

Medical Dictionary

Medical Tests

News

Patient Education

Publications

Research

Specialized Services

Other Resources

Overview

Billing

Clinical Trials

Consultations

Continuing Education

Health Insurance

News

Outreach Clinics

Publications

Referrals

Transfers

UCSF Medical Group

Patient Guide Find a Doctor Medical Services Health Library For Health Professionals

Health Library
Specialized Services

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W Y All Services

Embryo and Semen Freezing (Cryopreservation)

Embryos

Embryo freezing preserves embryos by cooling and storing them at low temperatures. They can be thawed later and transferred to the uterus, providing additional opportunities for conception.

During the usual vitro fertilization (IVF) process, multiple eggs are stimulated to grow, then recovered from the ovary and fertilized. This may result in more embryos or fertilized eggs than a couple wants at one time. If the additional embryos are of sufficiently good quality to undergo freezing, they can be used later if the first IVF isn't successful. If the IVF is successful, the extra embryos can be stored for several years to be used if the couple decides to have more children. We store embryos with renewal of an annual agreement. We have achieved pregnancies after as many as five years of storage and the pregnancy rate is almost identical to that of fresh embryos. Worldwide, human embryo freezing is a successful procedure with no reports of increased birth defects.

Semen

Sperm from ejaculates or from fluid extracted during surgical procedures (vasal, epididymal and testicular sperm specimens) can be frozen. The sperm is usually frozen for one year, when future arrangements can be discussed. Thawed sperm are no more likely to result in birth defects than freshly ejaculated sperm.

Print Format Email This Page

Home | About the Medical Center | Contact Us | Jobs | Compliance / Hotline
Copyright © 2002 - 2008 The Regents of the University of California | Terms of Use | Site Map