The frozen embryo transfer timeline is also critical. Frozen embryo transfer is a procedure in which a cryopreserved embryo created during IVF treatment is thawed and transferred to the female uterus. The remaining quality embryos are frozen and stored under suitable conditions for use in later IVF treatments during the IVF treatment. Thus, embryo transfer can be performed directly without egg production and egg collection stages when there is a need for IVF. The survival rate after thawing frozen embryos is approximately 71%. Therefore, only quality embryos should be frozen.
Embryo Freezing and Thawing Process
Freezing embryos provides you with many conveniences for IVF treatment. Your doctor monitors the remaining embryos after embryo transfer and, if suitable for freezing, freezes them after your written approval and stores them in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. The doctor removes the frozen embryos from liquid nitrogen when thawed and thaws them at room temperature. Then the doctor separates it from the protective liquid, takes it into a unique culture medium and puts it in the device. Your doctor will transfer the embryos that look good on the same day.
It may not be possible for all frozen embryos to have the same viability when thawed. However, this rate is about 95% in an excellent freeze-thaw program. In other words, approximately 9 out of 10 embryos frozen in general will be transferable when thawed. In addition, the viability of embryos can vary from person to person, although it is rare.
How Long Can Frozen Embryos Be Stored?
Frozen embryos can technically stand for more than 20 years. While this period differs according to the countries’ laws, embryos frozen in Turkey can be stored for up to five years. At the end of the fifth year, it is kept hidden or destroyed with the couples’ permission.
It may not be possible for all frozen embryos to have the same viability when thawed. However, this rate is approximately 90% to 95% in an excellent freeze-thaw program. In other words, about 9 out of 10 frozen embryos are transferable when thawed. In the 2nd or 3rd day embryos, which is called the cleavage period, this rate can reach 98%. Embryo freezing is one of these methods. Especially if it isn’t applied correctly, if the storage conditions aren’t optimal, there is a high risk of damage to the stored and frozen embryos after and during thawing.
Can There Be A Health Problem in Babies Born from Frozen Embryos?
According to the knowledge so far, the rate of congenital anomalies in babies born from the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos isn’t higher compared to others. As a result, frozen embryo applications are safe and economical for the patient.