Why would you freeze an embryo?
Embryo freezing is frequently performed following fertility procedures. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are two examples.
These treatments fertilize eggs with sperm and can result in additional embryos. If you have surplus embryos, you can freeze them and use them later if you:
- After an egg has been fertilized, postpone or cancel implantation into your uterus.
- Want to postpone IVF until later.
- Want a backup plan in case the first round of reproductive therapy fails.
- Rather than destroying unused embryos, choose to give them to other people attempting to conceive or to researchers.
Embryo freezing is also utilized to preserve fertility. A woman or person designated female at birth (DFAB) with cancer, for example, may desire to store fertilized eggs before beginning chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the treatment may harm their capacity to become pregnant. A transgender guy (transitioning to male) may also preserve eggs or embryos before beginning hormone therapy or undergoing gender affirmation surgery.