Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryo cryopreservation is a method used to preserve embryos by cooling and storing them at low temperatures. The benefit of embryo cryopreservation is that it permits the use of thawed embryos in an otherwise natural cycle, sparing the patient from undergoing ovulation induction, egg retrieval and the associated costs. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of all cryopreserved embryos do not survive the freezing and thawing process intact. There does not appear to be any increased risk of birth defects from cryopreserved embryos, and there does not appear to be a maximum length of time that the embryos can be stored.