During In Vitro Fertilisation cycles, when we have several good quality embryos, it is necessary to cryopreserve these surplus embryos, which are then saved for future attempts. The criteria that the embryos must meet in order to be frozen are very strict, since the freezing and thawing processes can be detrimental to these embryos.
During in vitro procedures, there are sometimes extra embryos which sho uld be frozen for future attempts. There is a strict criterion followed for freezing embryos since the freezing and thawing procedures of embryos can be too aggressive.
This process does not modify or alter the quality of cryopreserved embryos. The Vitrification technique has increased exponentially the number of good quality embryos with respect to the transferred “fresh” embryos, as this freezing technique is lighter on the embryos (compared to the slow freezing procedures), thus obtaining a higher rate of survival and pregnancy.
Those patients that have vitrified embryos are contacted every 2 years to confirm that they still wish to keep their frozen embryos for future attempts. The embryos belong to the patient and it is the Clinic’s mission to ensure safekeeping.