Treatment - Frozen Embryo & Sperm Storage
In most IVF cycles, there are a number of surplus embryos following the fresh transfer, which is done at the time of the IVF cycle. These can be frozen in liquid nitrogen, for use in the future by the couple. Embryo freezing and sperm freezing are very successful aspects of ART treatment in modern units. About 80% of all embryos frozen will successfully survive the thawing process. In many situations, it is appropriate to store sperm. Anonymous donor sperm is routinely frozen before use. It is frozen in small glass "straws" and these can be thawed out one or two at a time, for any ART cycle. Sperm may be frozen from men undergoing testicular or sperm aspiration procedures (such as following a vasectomy). Men who are diagnosed with cancer can freeze their sperm for future use in case the cancer treatment renders them sterile. Sometimes men undergoing vasectomy can have two or three sperm samples frozen, as insurance for the future. Sperm freezing is a very successful process, with pregnancy rates very similar to those obtained with fresh sperm.
Glass straws used in the freezing process.
