Cryopreservation of embryos

If several eggs were successfully collected and fertilized during treatment with IVF or ICSI, it is possible to freeze them. However, cryopreservation only makes sense in high-quality embryos, as experience has shown that the "survival rate" after thawing is approximately 70 percent.

The advantage of frozen embryos is the possibility of becoming pregnant without further hormonal stimulation and follicular puncture.

Throughout cycle monitoring, the maturation of a single follicle and the increasing growth of the uterine lining are observed. The transfer of the cryo-embryos is planned depending on the time of the expected or hormonally induced ovulation. The thawed embryos are inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity using a thin flexible plastic tube (catheter). After ovulation, corpus luteum hormone tablets are administered to optimally prepare the uterine lining for the upcoming implantation of the embryo.

Two weeks after ovulation, a quantitative determination of the pregnancy hormone ß-hCG in the blood or a pregnancy test (urine) can be used to check whether pregnancy has occurred.

The chances of becoming pregnant with cryo-embryo transfer are 25-30% per cycle, depending on the age of the patient couple, the initial hormonal balance, if any underlying diseases are present (such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, etc.), and lifestyle factors (such as being overweight, stress, nicotine abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.).