Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing refers to the process of freezing and storing embryos created in a laboratory for future use. Although the number of embryos obtained can vary based on the treatment applied, it is possible for approximately 40% of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to obtain multiple quality embryos.

For female candidates under the age of 35, a single embryo transfer is performed during the first two IVF attempts. If these transfers are unsuccessful or if the female candidate is over 35 years old, two embryos may be transferred. Any embryos that are obtained but not used can be frozen and stored at the couple's request.

Embryo freezing is a procedure that can only be performed on married couples.

It is recommended in the following situations:

• If healthy embryos remain unused after the transfer in IVF,
• If there is a family history of early menopause,
• If there is a low ovarian reserve,
• If medical interventions that may affect ovarian reserve are to be performed (surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.),
• Especially in cases where female candidates with endometrioma (chocolate cyst) are to undergo surgical operations, it is advised before the procedure,
• If the couple is not currently considering having children but wishes to do so in the future, embryo freezing is suggested.

In addition to these, embryo freezing is also used as a method to increase success rates:

It has been observed that the hormones/medications used during IVF can negatively affect the endometrial lining to some extent. This can vary from person to person and depends on the amount of medication used. To eliminate this negativity, embryos are frozen, allowing the medication's effects to subside. Once the uterus returns to its natural structure, the embryos are thawed and the transfer process is carried out. This method, known as endometrial rest, can lead to high pregnancy rates.

Another beneficial situation for the embryo freezing method is cases where genetic testing of embryos is planned. In couples at high risk of genetic disorders but where only a limited number of eggs and embryos can be obtained during treatment, developing embryos can be frozen. After the process of obtaining multiple embryos, the frozen embryos can be subjected to genetic examination together. This can significantly reduce the costs associated with genetic testing.

After effectively freezing, storing, and thawing eggs, sperm, and embryos, it is possible to achieve a viability rate of 98-99%. The high pregnancy rates achieved with frozen cells are the most important indicators of a clinic's success level. If the medical services provided by an IVF center are at the highest level, the amount of frozen materials during or after the treatment period will also be high. Therefore, how successful a center is can be easily seen by looking at embryo freezing rates and the successful results obtained with frozen embryos.

The methods used for freezing and thawing, the technological equipment, and the experience of the embryologists are the most important factors affecting success. Due to these factors, although many IVF centers offer embryo freezing and thawing services, there can be significant differences in success rates. At Bahçeci clinics, eggs, sperm, and embryo freezing procedures are performed using the vitrification method.

The transfer procedure is usually performed 3-6 days after ovulation. The day on which the embryo was frozen determines how long after ovulation the transfer will take place. Hormone levels (E2, LH, and progesterone) are monitored, and no medication is given until the day of transfer. After the embryos are transferred, progesterone support therapy can be initiated at the physician's discretion.

Before the frozen embryo transfer procedure, the uterus needs to be prepared for pregnancy. This preparation process can be done by following the naturally growing and rupturing egg during the menstrual cycle without using any medication, referred to as a "natural cycle." Regular menstruation is essential in this follow-up. Additionally, there is a method called "medicated follow-up," where no egg growth is observed, and we prepare the uterus by administering medications from the outside. There is also a "modified natural cycle" follow-up that is used less frequently, which involves using external medications to stimulate the growth of the egg, followed by administering an injection to trigger ovulation before the transfer.

Embryo transfer is a simple, painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. However, some of our patients may require anesthesia due to vaginismus or anxiety. During this process, short-term sedation may be applied to successfully carry out the embryo transfer. During the embryo transfer, the patient lies in a gynecological position. A speculum is inserted, and the vagina and cervix are cleaned with a sterile solution. The embryologist loads the embryos to be transferred into a special syringe. The physician performing the transfer uses a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance to place the embryos into the uterus. The transfer procedure is done while the bladder is full to clearly visualize the uterus with ultrasound and facilitate the transfer.

Based on available data, there is no difference in the rate of congenital anomalies in babies born from frozen embryo transfers compared to others. Currently, frozen embryo applications are considered safe practices.

Due to legal regulations, we cannot share information about embryo freezing prices on our website. For detailed information, you can fill out our contact form or reach us at 444 39 49.

For any questions you may have, you can join our Umut Ol Umut Bul Facebook group.