Embryo freezing

During a fresh IVF cycle any surplus embryos that are of good quality can be stored by freezing for use at a later date.

Until recently the success rate for couples using frozen embryos was considered to be low and therefore many couples and clinics do not freeze spare embryos. However, results of research at the Oxford Fertility Unit, announced in January 2009, clearly demonstrated much improved success rates.

The study revealed that when women froze spare suitable quality embryos created during a fresh IVF cycle and, if not pregnant, went on to use these first:

• women under 39 increased their success rate per single IVF cycle from 40% to 59%;
• women over 39 increased their success rate per single IVF cycle from 31% to 49%;