Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing, a crucial part of assisted reproductive technology (ART), involves preserving embryos by freezing them at extremely low temperatures. 

Dr Salem El Shawarby, an expert in reproductive medicine and infertility, emphasizes the importance of giving complete care and support to individuals going through embryo freezing in Abu Dhabi, ensuring optimal outcomes and emotional well-being throughout the process.

What is Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing, or embryo cryopreservation, is a process of preserving embryos by freezing under very low temperatures for later use. In the IVF lap.

This process is a way to help people with fertility and reproduction.

Why Would One Undergo Embryo Freezing?

Embryo freezing often follows fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI, which fertilize eggs with sperm, sometimes creating extra embryos. 

You may choose to freeze these extra good quality embryos to:

  • Postpone implantation after fertilization 
  • As a preventative measure when there is a risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • When genetic testing of embryos is required until results are back
  • When an unexpected polyp, fluid, etc are seen during ovarian stimulation until it is dealt with, to enhance chance of future implantation.
  • Ensure an option for future attempts for more babies after having successful IVF now or instead of having IVF again

It’s also used for fertility preservation before starting cancer treatments.

Regardless of the reason, the overall goal is to preserve fertility by storing embryos for future use.

What Happens During Embryo Freezing Procedure?

Preparation

Before starting an egg retrieval cycle, Dr Salem will check your hormone levels and perform an ultrasound to ensure your ovaries are ready. 

You’ll then take injectable medications to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles. Dr Salem will closely monitor your response to these medications.

During the Procedure

When Dr Salem determines you’re ready, eggs will be harvested. Using ultrasound guidance, multiple eggs are collected through a hollow needle. The number of eggs collected depends on your response to hormone medication.

To create embryos, harvested eggs are fertilized with sperm, and their development is observed for 5 days. After this time, embryos can be genetically tested, if there is a need. 

The best-quality embryos are then frozen with one of the two freezing methods:

  • Vitrification: This process replaces water in embryos with a protective fluid and rapidly freezes them using liquid nitrogen to prevent ice crystal formation, increasing their survival rate during thawing.

How Long Does Embryo Freezing Take?

The egg freezing process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, with most cycles completed in about 2 weeks.

It aligns with your menstrual cycle for optimal results, with regular ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor hormone levels and ovarian response.

How Likely is Embryo Freezing to Result in a Pregnancy?

The success of pregnancy through embryo transfer significantly relies on the woman’s age at the time of embryo freezing in IVF

Procedures utilizing eggs harvested from individuals aged 35 or younger exhibit the highest likelihood of resulting in pregnancy. More than 90% of frozen embryos successfully survive the thawing process.

How are the Embryos Used to Begin a Pregnancy?

The frozen embryos can be later used to begin a pregnancy through Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET).

In this process, Dr Salem may administer estrogen and progesterone to prepare the lining of the womb in a medicated cycle. Alternatively, in a “natural” FET cycle, monitoring occurs until ovulation, followed by embryo transfer a few days later.

When embryo transfer is scheduled, Dr Salim inserts a catheter into the uterus and injects thawed embryos. A blood test about 10 days later checks for pregnancy.

Dr Salem El Shawarby- Ensuring Future Fertility Through Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing offers hope and opportunities for individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments. 

Dr Salem El Shawarby, a reproductive medicine Consultant with over 30 years of expertise, has dedicated over 10 years of his career to advancing fertility care in Abu Dhabi. His unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes firmly establishes his role as a trusted advisor in the field.

For personalized advice and embryo freezing in Abu Dhabi, Get in touch Dr Salem El Shawarby.