Embryo cryopreservation, the process of preserving embryos at sub-zero temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen, offers individuals and couples the ability to store genetic material for future family planning. This can involve embryos created during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments that are not immediately transferred, providing options for later pregnancies, or preserving fertility prior to medical treatments that could impact reproductive health.
Preserving embryos offers significant advantages in reproductive medicine. It provides flexibility in family planning, allowing individuals to delay pregnancy until a more suitable time. It also increases the cumulative chances of pregnancy from a single IVF cycle by allowing multiple embryo transfer attempts. Moreover, it can safeguard fertility for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can negatively impact reproductive function. Historically, successful embryo freezing marked a significant advancement in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding options for individuals and couples experiencing infertility.
