Yes, embryos can be safely stored for future use in IVF treatment. This process is known as embryo cryopreservation and is a well-established, effective, and widely used practice in modern fertility care. At Shivam IVF, recognized by many patients as the Best IVF Centre in Delhi, this advanced technique is performed using internationally accepted protocols to ensure the highest safety and success standards.
1. Vitrification Technique
Embryos are frozen using a rapid-freezing method called vitrification.
This process prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cells.
Vitrification ensures high survival rates when embryos are thawed.
2. Storage Conditions
Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (around -196°C).
At this temperature, all biological activity stops, preserving embryo quality.
1. Higher Success Without Repeated Stimulation
Frozen embryos can be used in future cycles without ovarian stimulation.
This reduces physical strain and emotional stress for the woman.
2. Family Planning Flexibility
Couples can plan future pregnancies using embryos from the same IVF cycle.
This is especially helpful for spacing children.
3. Medical Reasons
Embryos can be stored if:
The uterus is not ready for transfer
There is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
The woman needs medical treatment that could affect fertility
1. Women Planning Delayed Pregnancy
Women who wish to conceive later can store embryos for future use.
2. Cancer Patients
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation can preserve embryos before treatment.
3. Couples with Recurrent IVF Failure
Stored embryos allow for repeated attempts without restarting IVF.
Embryos can be stored safely for many years.
Research shows that long-term storage does not reduce embryo quality or success rates.
As explained by Dr Bhavana Mittal, the duration of storage does not affect the embryo’s genetic integrity.
1. Consent and Documentation
Written consent is required before embryo storage.
Couples decide in advance how unused embryos will be managed.
2. Ethical Handling
Ethical clinics follow national guidelines regarding storage duration and usage.
According to Dr Bhavana Mittal, transparent counseling is essential before embryo freezing.
1. Thawing Process
Embryos are carefully thawed in the laboratory.
High survival rates are achieved with modern vitrification methods.
2. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
The embryo is transferred into the uterus during a prepared cycle.
The procedure is simple, painless, and does not require anesthesia.
Embryo storage offers flexibility, safety, and renewed hope in IVF treatment. With advanced cryopreservation, couples can plan future pregnancies confidently without repeating the entire process. At Shivam IVF, widely trusted as the Best IVF Centre in Delhi, expert care and modern technology ensure stored embryos remain viable, empowering families to achieve their parenthood goals with peace of mind.