Embryo Storage Werribee
Prepare for the Future With Personalised 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
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 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
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 hold the same potential they had when they were frozen, regardless of the woman’s current age.
Pregnancy Rates
Surfcoast Fertility’s pregnancy rates for frozen embryo transfers are often similar to, and sometimes greater than, those achieved with fresh embryo transfers.
Duostim Options
Duostim is available as an option for women wishing to develop multiple embryos over a condensed timeframe.
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
During the IVF cycle, eggs and sperm are collected as part of 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
Once prepared, the embryos are frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C and stored safely until required for future treatment cycles.
Your Embryo Freezing Questions Answered
Who may benefit from embryo freezing?
Embryo freezing may be worth considering for several reasons. In many cases, it may be recommended 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 is the process for thawing and using frozen embryos?
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?
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?
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 the majority of cases, more than 95% of embryos survive the thawing process.
The Surfcoast Fertility Difference
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.
Move Forward 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.
