Frozen Embryo Transfer - IVF
Embryo freezing or cryopreservation, is a method that cryopreserves embryos for future use. During IVF cycles, more embryos are produced than the maximum number of embryos that can be transferred in one cycle. It is possible for couples to freeze their healthy excess embryos for further IVF treatments, or can donate the embryos for use by infertile couples. Infertile couples who choose to use donated embryos in IVF treatment cycles are matched with embryos from couples whose physical and emotional attributes match those of the recipient couple.
Before frozen embryos can be inseminated into the recipients uterus, the embryos must be thawed until the outside temperature of the egg matches the temperature of the uterine lining. Once thawed, the procedure for using cryopreserved embryos in IVF treatment cycles is identical to using embryos which have not been cryopreserved. The embryo is inserted into a catheter which is passed into the uterus through the vaginal passage. The implantation of embryos is performed on the optimum day for successful implantation into the uterus.
Women who are at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS), following ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment using fertility drugs, are advised to freeze all successful embryos for consecutive embryo transfer in repeated IVF treatment cycles. Couples who are infertile as a result of unexplained or male and female factor infertility can successfully conceive using frozen embryos.
Embryo cells contain water which must be removed prior to freezing so as to prevent ice crystal formation. The embryos are then mixed with a cryoprotectant fluid, and put into a glass ampoule. They are stored in liquid nitrogen at a low temperature where they remain until used.
To thaw frozen embryos, they are removed from the ampoule and brought to room temperature. The cryoprotectant fluid is gradually removed and carefully diluted with water. When the embryos are fully returned to the temperature of the recipient uterus, they are transfered to the recipient mother.
There is no difference in the success rates of IVF if frozen or fresh embryos are used and the risk of abnormalities does not increase when using frozen embryos. Fertility clinics encourage patients to choose the more cost-effective route of freezing their embryos rather than discarding them, as a guarantee in the event that the first embryo transfer fails, or pregnancy is not carried out to term. Using frozen embryos, which can be stored for up to several years, is a much less expensive alternative to starting a new IVF treatment cycle.
Request an online consultation or a free IVF price quote below from our IVF clinics in Turkey offering this procedure. Your quote, which will be e-mailed to you instantly, will include the approximate cost for the treatment, required number of days you will need to stay in the country, hospitalization information if applicable and doctor's notes to the patient.
