Embryo Freezing Warrnambool
Plan Ahead With Tailored Fertility Care
For many people, fertility treatments often feel overwhelming and costly. This is where embryo freezing is usually used as a fertility preservation method, as it offers additional flexibility in fertility treatments and preserving your options.
At Surfcoast Fertility, we understand that making fertility decisions may be an emotionally demanding process, which is why we provide evidence-based, patient-centred care that is tailored to suit your unique situation.
Understanding Embryo Freezing
Throughout the IVF process, a number of embryos are created and given five to six days to develop following fertilisation. Once development has occurred, the most appropriate embryo is selected for transfer.
Any remaining embryos may then be frozen for potential future use. This is a common part of the IVF process and may allow treatment to continue without the need for further ovarian stimulation.
The Potential Advantages of Embryo Freezing
Reliable Storage
Remaining embryos from an IVF cycle may be safely stored for a period of up to five years in Victoria, with extensions possible upon approval.
Maintained Potential
Frozen embryos retain the potential they had at the time of freezing, not the woman’s current age.
Pregnancy Rates
Surfcoast Fertility’s pregnancy rates for frozen embryos are often the same or sometimes better than fresh embryo transfers.
Duostim Options
Duostim is available as an option for women wishing to develop multiple embryos over a condensed timeframe.
Planning fertility treatment?
Our dedicated team is here to guide and support you with your embryo freezing care.
The Embryo Freezing Process
1. Sample Collection
Throughout the IVF cycle, eggs and sperm are gathered as part of your personalised treatment plan.
2. Embryo Fertilisation
Following collection, the eggs are fertilised with sperm and given the opportunity to develop into embryos. One fresh embryo may then be chosen for transfer, with any remaining embryos frozen for potential use in future treatment.
3. Vitrification
Before the freezing process begins, water within the embryo is replaced with a protective fluid called cryoprotectant. This is done to help reduce the risk of ice forming and damaging the embryo.
4. Freezing
The embryos are then frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C and stored securely until needed for future treatment.
Frequently Asked Embryo Freezing Questions
Who may benefit from embryo freezing?
There are a number of reasons why embryo freezing may be worth discussing with your care team. It is often considered if you are:
- Undertaking IVF
- Undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Undergoing hormone therapy
- Preparing for cancer treatment
- Planning gender affirmation surgery
- Seeking to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
What happens when frozen embryos are thawed and transferred?
When ovulation occurs, or once the uterus is ready, frozen embryos are slowly thawed. One or more thawed embryos may then be transferred into the uterus during a frozen embryo transfer (FET). Following the transfer, we monitor to determine whether a pregnancy has occurred.
What are the costs involved in freezing embryos?
When it comes to embryo freezing, there are several costs that may need to be considered. These include hormone treatments, egg harvesting, embryo culture, freezing, and storage. If you would like to discuss costs further, our team is available to help, or you are welcome to visit our costs page.
How likely is a pregnancy from a frozen embryo transfer?
Pregnancy outcomes from frozen embryo transfers can vary. One factor that may influence the likelihood of pregnancy is the woman’s age at the time of egg collection, with younger eggs generally considered to have greater viability.
What is the survival rate of frozen embryos?
In most cases, over 95% of embryos survive the thawing process.
Why Choose Surfcoast Fertility
Guided by Experience
With more than 20 years of experience, our team is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to assist with your fertility planning.
Supportive Explanations
We understand that fertility decisions carry great significance, which is why we take the time to explain each step clearly so that you feel informed and supported throughout.
Care Close to Home
Our clinic welcomes patients weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm, and we take pride in offering accessible, local fertility care to those in the Geelong community.
Take the Next Step on Your Fertility Journey
If you are thinking about fertility treatment, embryo freezing may be an important consideration within your care plan. At Surfcoast Fertility, we only utilise established clinical methods to support you throughout your fertility journey. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with our team or book an appointment.
