Embryo Freezing Mount Gambier
Prepare for the Future With Personalised 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.
About Embryo Freezing
As part of the IVF process, multiple embryos are created and allowed to develop for five to six days after fertilisation. Following this development period, the most suitable embryo is identified and 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 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 maintain the potential they held at the point of freezing, rather than reflecting 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.
Ready to plan your 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
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
Prior to freezing, the water content within the embryo is removed and replaced with a protective solution known as cryoprotectant. This process helps to protect the embryo from ice damage during freezing.
4. Freezing
The embryos are then placed in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C, where they are stored securely until they are needed for a future treatment cycle.
Common Embryo Freezing Questions
Is embryo freezing right for you?
There are several reasons why embryo freezing may be worth considering. It is commonly recommended in cases where 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 are frozen embryos thawed and used?
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.
How much does embryo freezing cost?
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 successful are frozen embryo transfers in achieving pregnancy?
The likelihood of achieving a pregnancy can vary. A contributing factor is the age of the woman at the time of egg collection, as eggs collected when a woman is younger are generally considered more viable.
What is the survival rate of frozen embryos?
Generally speaking, more than 95% of embryos are able to survive the thawing process in most cases.
The Surfcoast Fertility Difference
Guided by Experience
Our team brings over 20 years of experience to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in support of your fertility planning.
Supportive Explanations
Fertility decisions are important, which is why we explain each step clearly to help you feel informed and supported.
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
Should you be considering fertility treatment, embryo freezing may play an important role in your care plan. At Surfcoast Fertility, we are committed to using only established clinical methods to support your fertility journey. If you have any questions, our team is always available to assist, or you are welcome to book an appointment.
