Embryo Storage Colac
Plan Ahead With Tailored 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 recognise that fertility decisions may be emotionally challenging, which is why we offer evidence-based, patient-centred care tailored to your personal circumstances.
An Overview of Embryo Freezing
During the IVF process, multiple embryos are created and allowed to develop over five to six days following fertilisation. Once they have developed, the most suitable embryo is then selected 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.
Potential Benefits of Freezing Embryos
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 maintain the potential they held at the point of freezing, rather than reflecting the woman’s current age.
Pregnancy Rates
At Surfcoast Fertility, the pregnancy rates associated with frozen embryos are often on par with, or occasionally higher than, those recorded for fresh embryo transfers.
Duostim Options
Duostim is an option for women seeking to create multiple embryos in a short timeframe.
Ready to plan your fertility treatment?
Our dedicated team is here to guide and support you with your embryo freezing care.
How the Embryo Freezing Process Works
1. Sample Collection
During your IVF cycle, the collection of eggs and sperm takes place as part of your individual 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 freezing, any water in the embryo is removed and replaced with a protective fluid called cryoprotectant. This helps prevent ice from damaging the embryo.
4. Freezing
The embryos are then frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C and stored securely until needed for future treatment.
Answering Your 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?
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 is the cost of embryo freezing?
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 successful are frozen embryo transfers in achieving pregnancy?
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?
In the majority of cases, more than 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
Fertility decisions are significant, which is why we are committed to explaining each step of the process clearly to help you feel well-informed and supported.
Care Close to Home
With our clinic open weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, we are proud to support our Geelong community with accessible, local care.
Begin the Next Chapter of 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.
