Embryo freezing refers to the freezing of fertilised eggs to store them for future embryo transfer procedures. These fertilised eggs are from the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments.

According to the Singapore Ministry of Health Guidelines, up to two embryos may be transferred for those under 40 years old, and up to a maximum of three embryos may be transferred for those 40 years old and older. Additional embryos may be frozen and stored at the IVF centre for future use.

A fertility specialist in Singapore can help you understand whether embryo freezing is suitable, how the procedure works, and the risks associated with it.

Who Is Suitable For Embryo Freezing

The decision to freeze the embryos will depend on the number and quality of embryos remaining. Embryos of poor quality, as shown by their physical appearance under the microscope, will be unlikely to survive the freezing and thawing procedure.

If the fertility treatment is unsuccessful or a patient wishes to have another baby in the future, she can thaw her frozen embryos and have them transferred into the uterus in later treatments.

Success Rates Of Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing has a higher success rate than egg freezing. Embryos contain a few hundred cells. Even though some cells may be damaged during the process, other cells will survive as well as resume cell division and multiplication once they thaw.

Embryo Freezing Procedure

After IVF or ICSI treatments, approximately ten eggs are collected resulting in an average of seven embryos per patient. No more than two embryos are usually transferred at a time.

If there are a sufficient number of good quality embryos available, these can be frozen.

The frozen embryos can be thawed out and transferred back into the uterus in the subsequent cycle(s).

The chances of pregnancy resulting from frozen embryos are better than fresh embryo transfers. Freezing embryos is also one of the most effective ways for women to preserve their fertility.

Contact Us Today

Considering embryo freezing? Speak to our fertility specialist in Singapore to discuss your options at 6472 7988.