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Embryo Cryopreservation
Embryo cryopreservation is the freezing of embryos in order to preserve them for the future. Today's technology has allowed clinicians to freeze some cells, like embryos and sperm, and small tissue fragments, as well. This treatment is traditionally used to freeze and store "leftover" embryos retrieved from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.
Embryo cryopreservation was first successfully performed in 1972 and the first reported human pregnancy from frozen embryos was reported in 1983. Since then, cryopreservation methods have advanced, allowing for faster freezing and thawing of embryos.
Frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles are managed via a hormone replacement cycle. In a hormone replacement cycle, estrogen and progesterone are given to mimic a natural cycle and are monitored through ultrasound and blood tests. These tests will determine the appropriate timeframe for a thawed embryo to be transferred.
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