Embryo freezing gives individuals and couples the opportunity to preserve embryos for future use, whether as part of an IVF cycle or as a proactive step to protect fertility.
Dr Rozen works with patients to develop an embryo freezing plan tailored to their individual circumstances, taking into account current health, upcoming treatments, and future family goals. Whether embryos are being frozen following an IVF cycle or as a deliberate preservation step ahead of medical treatment, Dr Rozen provides clear guidance and compassionate support throughout the process.
Embryo freezing involves fertilising retrieved eggs with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then frozen at an early stage of development for future use. The process follows the same initial steps as a standard IVF cycle, including ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, before the resulting embryos are frozen using vitrification and stored until needed.
Dr Rozen works with world-leading fertility clinic Genea, whose frozen embryo transfer programme delivers exceptional outcomes. Nearly 1 in 2 frozen embryo transfers result in a live birth at Genea for women under 35 (46.1%), and for women aged 35 to 42, a 40% live birth rate is achieved.1
Embryo freezing is relevant for a range of patients, including:
Any good quality embryos not used in an initial transfer can be frozen for future cycles, meaning the stimulation and retrieval process may not need to be repeated.
Embryo freezing can be pursued ahead of cancer treatment or other medical procedures that may affect fertility.
Embryos can be frozen following preimplantation genetic testing, allowing time for genetic results before a transfer is planned. Learn more about genetic testing and PGT.
Fertility medications are used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs over around 10 to 14 days. Blood tests and ultrasounds monitor progress throughout this phase.
Once the eggs are mature, they are collected from the ovaries under light sedation using a fine needle guided by ultrasound. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.
The retrieved eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. Where sperm quality is a concern, ICSI may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
Fertilised eggs are monitored in the laboratory as they develop into embryos over three to five days. The healthiest embryos are identified for freezing or transfer.
Embryos are frozen using vitrification and stored in liquid nitrogen until the patient is ready to use them. Any good quality embryos not used in an initial transfer can be frozen for future cycles.
When the time comes to use a frozen embryo, it is thawed and transferred to the uterus using a thin catheter. This is a straightforward procedure that does not require anaesthesia. Success rates vary depending on the age of the woman when the embryos were created and the quality of the embryos stored.
For couples facing cancer treatment, freezing embryos before treatment begins can be an important step in protecting the possibility of biological children in the future. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and some surgical procedures can affect fertility in both men and women, and acting before treatment begins gives patients the best chance of preserving viable embryos.
Dr Rozen understands that a cancer diagnosis can make this decision feel stressful and rushed. She prioritises urgent referrals and works quickly to ensure patients have the information and support they need to make the right decision for their situation.
Learn more about fertility preservation before cancer treatment
“Embryo freezing offers couples a real safety net, whether they have embryos remaining after IVF or they are planning ahead before a difficult medical treatment. Knowing those embryos are there when you need them can make an enormous difference to how patients feel going into whatever comes next.”
– Dr Genia Rozen, Fertility Specialist, Genea Melbourne City and Frankston
