Embryo Cryopreservation

Dr. Rakoff recommends that strong embryos that are not transferred be cryropreserved (frozen).  We recommend  freezing only high quality embryos that survive to the blastocyst stage.  These embryos will be stored in liquid nitrogen and can be thawed at a later date.  While the pregnancy rates with fresh embryos may be higher, the process of preparing for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) is simpler and less expensive.  Freezing embryos that survive to the blastocyst stage maximizes the chances for success in a thaw cycle.

Some people, who may wish to limit the chances of having extra frozen embryos, may choose our “Natural” minimal stimulation IVF protocol. The trade-off is the possibility of lower over all success rates, and less embryos to freeze.