Embryo Freezing Ocean Grove
Plan Your Future With Customised Fertility Care
For many people, navigating fertility treatments can feel daunting and expensive. Embryo freezing is commonly used as a fertility preservation method, offering greater flexibility in fertility treatments and helping to keep your options open.
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.
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 remain may be frozen for possible future use. This is a routine part of the IVF process and may mean that treatment can continue without requiring additional 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 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 may be an option for women looking to produce multiple embryos within a shorter period of time.
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
Once collected, the eggs are fertilised with sperm and allowed to develop into embryos. A fresh embryo may then be selected for transfer, with the remaining embryos frozen for potential future use.
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.
Your Embryo Freezing Questions Answered
Who is embryo freezing suited to?
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?
At the time of ovulation, or once the uterus is considered ready, frozen embryos are slowly and carefully thawed. One or more of these 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 taken place.
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 likely is a pregnancy from a frozen embryo transfer?
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?
In the majority of cases, more than 95% of embryos survive the thawing process.
The Surfcoast Fertility Approach
Guided by Experience
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to support you through your fertility journey.
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 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.
