Freezing Embryos Lorne
Take the Next Step With Individualised Fertility Care
Fertility treatments can feel complex and costly for many people. Embryo freezing is often considered as a fertility preservation method, providing additional flexibility throughout fertility treatment and supporting your future options.
At Surfcoast Fertility, we appreciate that fertility decisions may be an emotional experience, which is why we deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care designed around your individual needs.
What Is Embryo Freezing?
During IVF treatment, several embryos are created and permitted to develop over a period of five to six days after fertilisation. Once they have reached the appropriate stage of development, the most suitable embryo is then chosen for transfer.
Any embryos that are not transferred may then be frozen for potential future use. This forms a common part of the IVF process and may allow treatment to continue without the need for repeated ovarian stimulation.
The Potential Advantages of Embryo Freezing
Reliable Storage
Additional embryos created during an IVF cycle may be kept in secure storage for up to five years in Victoria, with extensions available subject to 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 may be an option for women looking to produce multiple embryos within a shorter period of time.
Considering fertility treatment?
Our dedicated team is here to guide and support you with your embryo freezing care.
About the Embryo Freezing Process
1. Sample Collection
As part of the IVF cycle, eggs and sperm are collected in accordance with your 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
In preparation for freezing, the water present in the embryo is removed and replaced with a protective fluid known as cryoprotectant. This helps minimise the risk of ice crystal formation that could otherwise damage the embryo.
4. Freezing
The embryos are subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 °C and kept in secure storage until they are needed for future treatment.
Common 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
How does the thawing and transfer of frozen embryos work?
Once ovulation has taken place, or when the uterus is prepared, frozen embryos are carefully thawed. One or more of the thawed embryos may then be transferred into the uterus as part of a frozen embryo transfer (FET). Following the transfer, monitoring takes place to determine whether a pregnancy has occurred.
What are the costs involved in freezing embryos?
There are a number of costs to take into account when considering embryo freezing. Hormone treatments, egg harvesting, embryo culture, freezing, and storage may all factor into the overall cost. If you have any concerns about costs, please feel free to contact our team or visit our costs page.
How likely is a pregnancy from a frozen embryo transfer?
The chance of pregnancy can vary from person to person. One factor that may contribute is the woman’s age at the time of egg collection, as eggs collected at a younger age are often more viable.
How often do the embryos survive?
Generally speaking, more than 95% of embryos are able to survive the thawing process in most cases.
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
Because fertility decisions are so important, we take care to explain each step clearly, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every stage of your journey.
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.
Move Forward on Your Fertility Journey
If you’re considering fertility treatment, embryo freezing may form an important part of your care plan. At Surfcoast Fertility, we only use established clinical methods to support your fertility journey. If you have any questions, you’re always welcome to speak with our team or book an appointment.
