Differences Between Egg Freezing and Embryo Freezing

Egg and embryo freezing are two fertility procedures that are often confused with one another. Indeed they do have similarities. They are both viable storage options for IVF treatments. Both methods also reduce the risk of getting complications during pregnancy, as the eggs used for both procedures are younger and therefore higher in quality.

The difference between the two is whether the eggs have been fertilized or not before they were frozen. 

In this procedure, the egg is harvested and then introduced to sperm in order for fertilization to occur. Fertility drugs are taken for around 8 to 10 days to encourage the production of fertile eggs. 

The clinic will freeze the fertilized eggs via cryopreservation. The embryo is sealed in containers at a temperature of -196º Celsius. This prevents any biological activities, such as aging, from progressing any further. A successful round of fertilization may lead to multiple healthy embryos. 

Once the patient is ready, the clinic can have the embryo transferred to their uterus. The embryo will then implant into the patient’s uterine wall -- should everything go smoothly during the treatment.

If frozen properly, the embryo can still theoretically be used decades after they were frozen. However, since freezing and storing is an expensive process, clinics often set regulations on how long the embryo is allowed to be stored with them.

You and your partner are definitely planning on having children in the future but are unable to handle the responsibility at the moment

You have genetic diseases and other medical conditions that affect your reproductive system 

You will be undergoing treatments which could hinder your fertility

In egg freezing, on the other hand, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, frozen, and then stored away for future use. The eggs are brought to a temperature so low that it stops the cell’s processes, which include maturing.

The eggs are not fertilized before freezing, but rather after it has been thawed. They will be just as young and as healthy as when they were frozen. 

Just as with freezing embryos, hormonal medications are used to stimulate the ovulation process, which allows for the harvesting of several eggs. Retrieving multiple eggs is important as it increases the chances of finding perfectly healthy eggs for future fertilization. The more healthy eggs that can be found, the better the chances are. 

Due to ethical or religious preferences, you would rather have your eggs frozen than opt for freezing embryos

You are not certain of your plans to have a child, but would like to save your eggs just in case

You want a more affordable procedure for preserving your eggs.

Many of the reasons for choosing embryo freezing are valid for this method as well.

If you are planning to have your eggs or embryo frozen for future IVF treatments, visit a reliable and trusted fertility clinic in your area first. Their specialists will determine the best course of action and offer advice on improving your fertility. 

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