Embryo Freezing & Cryopreservation in Delhi

Embryo cryopreservation lab at Crystal Fertility, Delhi

After an IVF cycle, it's common to have more good-quality embryos than are transferred in a single attempt. Embryo freezing, or cryopreservation, lets you store those remaining embryos for a future frozen embryo transfer rather than discarding them.

How Embryos Are Frozen

The technique used is vitrification, a rapid-freezing method that largely replaced slow-freezing in IVF labs because it reduces ice crystal formation, which can damage embryo cells. Embryos are typically frozen at the blastocyst stage, around day five or six of development.

Why Patients Choose This

  • Preserving surplus embryos from an IVF cycle for a future attempt, without repeating stimulation and egg retrieval
  • Allowing time for genetic testing results to come back before deciding which embryo to transfer
  • Medical reasons to delay a fresh transfer, such as OHSS risk or an unfavourable uterine lining that cycle

Embryo Freezing vs. Egg Freezing

These are different procedures. Egg freezing stores unfertilized eggs, usually before a partner or donor sperm is involved. Embryo freezing stores eggs that have already been fertilized and developed into embryos, which generally requires having decided on a sperm source first.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: 1 What's the difference between embryo freezing and egg freezing?
Q: 2 At what stage are embryos usually frozen?
Q: 3 How long can frozen embryos be stored?
Q: 4 Does freezing reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy later?

Helpful Resources

Dr. Nidhi Sharma

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Nidhi Sharma, MBBS, DGO, DNB

Dr. Nidhi Sharma is a fertility specialist with an MBBS, a DGO in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and a DNB, bringing over 20 years of experience in reproductive medicine. She leads the IVF, ICSI, and fertility preservation programmes at Crystal Fertility & IVF Center in Dwarka, New Delhi.

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