What is the function of freezing baby embryos?

In the past, some serious infertility problems may not have been able to be solved, but today, everyone knows about the technology of in vitro fertilization, which has helped many couples who were unable to have normal fertility in the past realize their dream of having a baby. In vitro fertilization is a complex scientific project that involves many technical means, including embryo freezing, which has the following functions.

Main functions of frozen embryos:

The role and effect of frozen embryo technology:

During the in vitro fertilization treatment for infertile patients, ovulation-stimulating drugs are generally used to stimulate the number of mature eggs, which can often allow the ovaries to grow more than ten eggs at a time. But in reality, in each IVF treatment, only 1-3 embryos are transplanted back into the uterine cavity. Implanting too many embryos may increase the risk of multiple births, so the remaining embryos can be cryopreserved. If the treatment cycle is not successful, the preserved embryos can be transplanted back into the mother in a subsequent natural ovulation cycle or hormone replacement cycle, without the need for superovulation. This not only avoids the pain of injections, but also saves a lot of costs.

In terms of technology, there are slow freezing and rapid freezing methods (Vitrification), both of which provide good preservation methods. Vitrification is a fast method but more expensive because it is fast and has very good survival and pregnancy rates.

When freezing embryos, good quality embryos must be selected, so the embryo scoring criteria are also very important. It is hoped that embryos with developmental potential will be frozen so that they can be provided to patients for future thawing and use.

Frozen embryos are currently the most commonly used method of freezing, but in some countries, due to religious beliefs and legal regulations, embryos cannot be frozen and only eggs can be frozen. However, frozen embryos are a sophisticated method and are available to many patients.

Application Areas

Applicable subjects (indications) for frozen embryos:

1. The remaining embryos that can be used after embryo transfer during the IVF (ICSI) treatment cycle;

2. If the mother's uterine environment is not suitable for pregnancy during this treatment cycle (for example, severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or poor endometrium, etc.), the embryo can be frozen and stored for implantation, and then thawed at an appropriate time;

3. Patients with systemic diseases such as fever and diarrhea during this treatment cycle cannot undergo transplantation;

4. For patients who may lose their ovarian function (for example, they have to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy or resection surgery), they can also choose to freeze embryos to preserve their fertility.