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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.