X-Message-Number: 24168
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: Better news
Date: Sun, 30 May 2004 00:14:14 -0400

I guess if 70% of embryos survive freezing now then with future techniques
closer to 100% could be possible.

Basie



It is common that during IVF/ICSI treatment more embryos are produced than
are required at the time. Embryos that are surplus to requirement, assuming
they are of sufficient "quality", can be successfully frozen and stored for
years. Surplus embryos that are not of sufficient good quality are either
allowed to perish or used for research with appropriate consent. Initial
maximum duration of storage is 5 years, although this can be extended to 10
years. Couples need to maintain contact with the clinic during the time of
storage. Such embryos can be thawed and replaced at a future date thus
allowing a further chance for pregnancy (or another pregnancy) from the eggs
collected during original treatment. It reduces the need for repeated
"fresh" IVF/ICSI cycles with ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The
first successful FET cycle was performed in 1983 and many babies have been
born with this technique since. No greater risk of abnormalities than that
expected from normally conceived children has been reported. Frozen-thawed
embryos may be replaced in a natural cycle (without the use of drugs) or in
a cycle controlled by hormonal replacement (HRT cycle). About 70% of embryos
survive the freezing process and retain their viability.

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=24168