Embryo freezing is the process of storing embryos for future use, so they can survive for an indefinite without any impact on their quality. However, not all embryos can survive the thawing process, which is done at the time of using them so that they can be used for implantation. The success rate of embryo freezing is almost 80%. Since most embryos can survive the thawing process and can be used for implanting into the woman’s uterus.

The IVF treatment often results in multiple leftover embryos since the ovaries of the woman are stimulated to produce multiple eggs. If you do not wish to freeze or store the remaining embryos, then you can leave them to the centre itself. The doctors may use the embryos for research purposes considering they are quality embryos or for the training of embryologists. Also, with your consent, the leftover embryos can be donated to needy couples, so that they can also try their chance at having a baby.

The embryos can be easily stored for up to 10 years without seeing any impact or deterioration of the quality of embryos. Also, the embryos can be stored and survive for 30 years as well, but that also depends on the quality and survivability of the embryos stored. The couples have to sign a consent form where they mention the time period for which they want the embryos to be stored.

The best age to freeze embryos depends on the fertility of the woman since women are most fertile before age 35. Freezing embryos at an early age lead to higher chances of pregnancy, whilst embryo freezing can also be done after age 35, but the chances of a successful pregnancy remain less as compared to that of an early age.

Embryo freezing can be an uncomfortable process since a lot of medications are given to the patient for stimulating the ovaries, but the process is not at all painful. There may be some temporary side effects of the medicines or discomfort experienced by the patient when going through the egg retrieval process, but the process is mostly bearable. After the egg extraction procedure, the role of the woman is done, and the rest of the embryo freezing process is left to the doctors and embryologists performing the embryo freezing process.

Embryo freezing is a safe process given that you are under the care of expert specialists that they how to safely conduct the process. There are many facets of embryo freezing such as the egg retrieval process, sedating the patient, using catheters, injections, etc. There is a possibility of some side effects or damage to the organs of the body, but when carried out carefully, there is nothing to worry about, as the chances of such mishappenings are less.