How long can frozen embryos be stored?

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Cam Van - IVF Lab Doctor - Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
Frozen embryo storage is one of the commonly used methods in an in vitro fertilization cycle, they play an important role in optimizing ovarian stimulation, embryo transfer as well as solving the problem of residual embryos. after transfer. So what exactly is frozen embryos and how long is the maximum embryo storage time?

1. What is frozen embryo storage?

Frozen embryos are embryos that are frozen after in vitro fertilization (IVF) instead of being put into the woman's body. If for some reason fresh embryo transfer is not possible or if fresh embryo transfer fails, then cryopreserved embryo transfer will be performed.
For women participating in cryopreservation, it is necessary to ensure the following factors:
Normal uterine cavity, if many fibroids can be performed surgical removal of fibroids before embryo transfer To facilitate the The implantation and development of the embryo after placement in the uterus need to ensure that the endometrium has the necessary thickness and good quality. Progesterone supplementation as directed by the doctor MORE: Frozen embryo transfer procedure when doing IVF

2. How long can frozen embryos be stored?

Many studies show that the storage time of frozen embryos less than 5 years has no effect on the quality of embryos. However, over time there have been concerns about the negative effects of cryoprotectants as well as free radicals in the storage environment on embryos. It is also important to note that the longer the storage of frozen embryos, the increasing age of the mother (in the case of autologous embryos) which is also one of the determining factors in pregnancy rates.
MORE: Learn about embryo freezing at Vinmec Times City

3. Methods of frozen embryo storage and factors affecting embryo

Currently, there are 2 methods of cold storage being used, namely slow cooling and vitrification:
Slow cooling: is a method of lowering temperature at a slow rate according to a preset cooling cycle, bringing the sample to freeze. Refrigeration from physiological temperature to very low temperature before storage in liquid nitrogen. Vitrification: is a method of unbalanced cryopreservation, suddenly bringing the sample to a deep negative temperature, passing the stage of ice crystal formation. aims to prevent the formation of ice crystals inside and outside the frozen sample to minimize damage to the sample. Since cryopreservation brings embryos to sub-zero temperatures and the use of certain preservatives is clearly detrimental to gametes and embryos, an effect on gamete and embryo quality is possible. In addition, a number of other factors can affect the efficiency of cryopreservation of embryos, including:
Quality of initial frozen embryos Storage experience of specialists Quality of medical equipment for cryopreservation room for frozen embryo storage

4. Benefits of frozen embryo storage

Frozen embryo storage can bring benefits such as:
Freezing of unused embryos during IVF cycle Freezing embryos in cases where the patient is only suitable for embryo transfer due to factors such as: psychological readiness for treatment , unsatisfactory health or inadequate endometrium Some studies have shown that the transfer of stored embryos is more effective than the transfer of fresh embryos Optimizing clinical factors, limiting the number of embryos transferred and Reduce the rate of multiple pregnancies Reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation Many studies show that frozen embryo storage time of less than 5 years has no effect on embryo quality. But over time there have been concerns about the negative effects of cryoprotectants as well as free radicals in the storage environment on embryos. Therefore, to avoid environmental factors, you should choose reputable Reproductive Support Centers with good facilities and a team of good doctors and nurses to perform.
Vinmec IVF Reproductive Center is the address of infertility - infertility treatment chosen by many couples. So far, the Center has performed fertility support for over 1000 infertile couples with a success rate of over 40%.
The world's leading advanced assisted reproductive technology with high efficiency: Using advanced techniques in assisted reproduction helps people with poor sperm quality still be able to have children, reducing the rate of genetic abnormalities In embryos on day 5, immunological evaluation of the uterine lining helps patients with multiple implantation failures have a higher chance of success, accurate embryo genetic screening and diagnosis, and reduce the rate of multiple pregnancies and stop pregnancy. The success rate is over 40%, this rate is equivalent to developed countries such as UK, USA, Australia. 1000 babies were born from IVF at Vinmec. Comprehensive - professional care service: As the leading modern center in Vietnam, applying a treatment process that coordinates comprehensive examination, combining both male and female obstetrics and gynecology to offer the optimal plan for each patient. case. Comprehensive care from infancy to adulthood. Private examination space, customers are consulted and guided specifically and fully by experts. Well-trained and experienced staff: The team of doctors are leading experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in the country and internationally, trained at famous fertility centers around the world. world. With a high level of expertise and extensive experience, IVF's staff is capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today, helping to realize the dream of becoming a parent. of hundreds of families across Vietnam. System of facilities and modern equipment: Ensure the best embryo culture conditions such as: clean room system level I international standard ISO 14644-1; The culture room is designed with one-way, positive pressure blowing clean air and the culture cabinet system has many separate culture chambers equipped with a time-lapse camera inside the cabinet without disturbing the culture conditions..

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