Name of the Procedure:

Storage (per year); embryo(s)

Summary

Embryo storage involves preserving frozen embryos at very low temperatures for future use in assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure helps individuals and couples plan their families by providing the option to preserve embryos for an extended period, ensuring reproductive material is available when needed.

Purpose

The primary purpose of embryo storage is to preserve embryos for future use in fertility treatments. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may face conditions that impair fertility, such as undergoing cancer treatment, or for those who wish to delay pregnancy until a later time. The storage helps maintain the viability and genetic integrity of the embryos, so they can be used in future IVF cycles.

Indications

• Couples or individuals undergoing IVF who have surplus healthy embryos.
• Women facing medical treatments, like chemotherapy, that could affect their fertility.
• Individuals who wish to delay childbearing for personal, medical, or professional reasons.
• Couples wanting to preserve embryos from cycles where multiple embryos have been created.

Preparation

• Consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss storage options and procedures.
• Consent forms and agreements regarding the terms of storage, duration, and usage.
• Financial arrangements for the cost of storage.

Procedure Description

1. Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation):

   • The embryos are first cultured in the lab up to a certain stage (usually the blastocyst stage).
   • They are then placed in a cryoprotectant solution to prevent ice crystal formation.
   • The prepared embryos are rapidly cooled and then stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures around -196°C.

2. Storage Maintenance:

   • Embryo storage tanks are regularly monitored for temperature and safety.
   • Embryos are stored in labeled straws or vials, ensuring future identification and retrieval.

Duration

The storage duration can be annually renewed and can extend for several years based on individual agreements and local regulations.

Setting

Embryo storage is performed in a fertility clinic or an assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory.

Personnel

• Reproductive endocrinologist
• Embryologist
• Laboratory technicians

Risks and Complications

• Potential loss of embryos due to technical issues or natural disasters.
• Emotional or ethical considerations with long-term storage and decision-making.
• Legal implications regarding the usage, disposal, or transfer of stored embryos.

Benefits

• Provides the opportunity to preserve fertility for future family planning.
• Allows flexibility in timing for pregnancy.
• Increases chances of successful pregnancy by using embryos created at a younger age.

Recovery

Not applicable, as embryo storage is a laboratory process and does not involve direct patient intervention post-creation of the embryos.

Alternatives

• Oocyte (Egg) Freezing: Preservation of unfertilized eggs, offering similar benefits but differing in the storage of individual gametes rather than embryos.
• Sperm Freezing: For males, preserving sperm for future use in fertilization techniques.
• Adoption or Donor Embryos: Considering family-building options that do not involve the use of one's own embryos.

Patient Experience

Patients generally do not have direct experiences during the storage phase, as it is managed by laboratory personnel. Emotional considerations such as peace of mind from having stored embryos are common, along with any anxiety related to future use decisions.