The decision to start a family is a deeply personal one, often intertwined with life’s other significant milestones, such as career aspirations, health concerns, or personal preferences. This postponement, however, can have significant implications on fertility. As a result, fertility preservation has become an invaluable option for those looking to secure their chances of having biological children in the future. Among the most popular and effective methods of fertility preservation are embryo and sperm freezing.
Vejthani Hospital’s VFC Center is a popular choice for embryo, egg, and sperm freezing services in Bangkok, Thailand. Before we explore your options at our center, let’s get you acquainted with all you need to know about these services.
Fertility Preservation Options
Fertility preservation includes various techniques designed to save and protect eggs, sperm, or reproductive tissue so that a person can use them to have biological children in the future. The most common methods include:
- Embryo Freezing: This involves fertilizing an egg with sperm to create an embryo, which is then frozen for future use.
- Sperm Freezing: A straightforward process where sperm is collected, frozen, and stored.
- Egg Freezing: Unfertilized eggs are harvested and frozen for future fertilization.
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing: A less common method where ovarian tissue is extracted and frozen.
Each method has its own set of benefits and is suited for different individuals based on their unique circumstances.
What Is Embryo Freezing?
Embryo freezing, also known as embryo cryopreservation, is a process where embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and then frozen for future use. This option is ideal for:
- Couples undergoing IVF who want to store extra embryos.
- Women undergoing treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy.
- Individuals or couples who wish to delay pregnancy for personal or professional reasons.
Embryo Freezing Process
The process of embryo freezing involves several steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure.
- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.
- Freezing: The resulting embryos are frozen using cryoprotectants and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Advantages Of Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing offers numerous advantages, including:
- Higher Success Rates: Compared to egg freezing, embryos have a higher success rate, resulting in a live birth.
- Genetic Testing: Embryos can be tested for genetic conditions before freezing.
- Future Family Planning: Couples can have multiple embryos stored for future use, providing more opportunities for successful pregnancies.
What Is Sperm Freezing?
Sperm freezing, or sperm cryopreservation, is a method of preserving a man’s sperm cells at very low temperatures for future use. This process is particularly ideal for:
- Men with medical conditions such as cancer.
- Individuals undergoing gender transition.
- Men with low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
- Those who wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing a vasectomy.
The Sperm Freezing Process
The sperm-freezing process is straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Collection: Sperm is collected through ejaculation or, in some cases, directly from the testicles.
- Analysis and Processing: The sperm sample is analyzed for quality and processed to concentrate the healthiest sperm.
- Freezing: The processed sperm is mixed with a cryoprotectant and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Advantages Of Sperm Freezing
Sperm freezing offers several advantages, including:
- Cancer patients can preserve fertility before chemotherapy or radiation.
- It offers the option to father children after vasectomy.
- It allows patients to delay parenthood without age-related fertility concerns.
- Suitable for men with demanding careers or frequent travel.
- Supports Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IVF and IUI procedures.
- Preserves fertility for men with hereditary conditions.
- Supports biological parenthood for same-sex couples through surrogacy or donor insemination.
The Science Behind Freezing
The success of fertility preservation relies heavily on advanced cryopreservation techniques. These methods protect the cells from damage during the freezing and thawing process. Key techniques include:
Slow Freezing: A traditional method that gradually lowers the temperature of the cells.
Vitrification: A rapid freezing process that prevents the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cells.
Cryopreservation Techniques and Technological Advancements
Technological advancements have significantly improved the success rates of cryopreservation. Vitrification, in particular, has revolutionized the field by offering better survival rates for both embryos and sperm compared to slow freezing. Additionally, advancements in genetic screening and embryo culture techniques have enhanced the overall effectiveness of these methods.
Success Rates and Considerations
Success rates for using frozen embryos and sperm vary depending on several factors, including the age of the individual at the time of freezing, the quality of the cells, and the specific techniques used. Generally, the success rates for frozen embryos are around 30-40% per transfer, while sperm freezing boasts a high survival rate of over 90% after thawing.
Potential Risks and Challenges
While the success rates are promising, there are potential risks and challenges to consider:
Cell Damage: Despite advancements, there is still a risk of cell damage during freezing and thawing.
Storage Issues: Long-term storage requires careful monitoring to maintain viability.
Legal and Ethical Concerns: Ownership and use of stored embryos can raise complex legal and ethical issues.
Costs and Insurance
At VFC Center in Thailand, the cost of our embryo storage, egg, and sperm freezing packages are carefully structured to offer the best value and transparency. Our packages are designed to cover all essential aspects of the process, including storage options.
For insurance coverage, please be aware that many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of fertility preservation, but some may cover portions of the process, especially if it is deemed medically necessary. Please contact your insurance provider to learn more.
VFC Center – A Leading Fertility Preservation Clinic in Bangkok
Vejthani Hospital’s VFC Center is a JCI-accredited leader in advanced fertility preservation, offering embryo, egg, and sperm freezing packages in Thailand. Our cutting-edge technology and highly skilled specialists, combined with proven cryopreservation techniques, deliver exceptional patient care and outstanding outcomes. With a remarkable 88.61% success rate, thousands of patients have trusted us to help them preserve their fertility. Our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you through the entire process, from initial consultation to storage options.
Contact us today to explore your fertility preservation options.
FAQs
How long can embryos and sperm be stored?
Embryos and sperm can be stored indefinitely, with successful pregnancies reported from samples stored for over 20 years. However, it’s essential to maintain regular storage fees and consider the potential technological advancements over time.
Are there any side effects of the freezing process?
The freezing process itself has minimal side effects. However, the procedures leading up to it, such as ovarian stimulation for egg retrieval, may have side effects like bloating, mood swings, and headaches. These are usually temporary.
Can frozen embryos and sperm be used for surrogacy?
Yes, frozen embryos and sperm can be used in surrogacy arrangements, subject to legal and ethical guidelines specific to Thailand. It’s crucial to understand the legal framework and requirements for surrogacy in the country.
How much does embryo, sperm, and egg freezing cost in Thailand?
The cost varies depending on the number of eggs or sperm collected and additional services like storage fees. It’s recommended that you contact the VFC Center directly for a quote.
Is sperm and egg freezing covered by insurance in Thailand?
Generally, sperm and egg freezing are not covered by standard health insurance plans in Thailand. However, some specialized fertility insurance plans might offer coverage. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider.
Who is a good candidate for embryo, sperm, or egg freezing?
Individuals facing fertility challenges, those undergoing cancer treatment, or people who want to delay having children are common candidates. Consult with a fertility specialist to determine your suitability.
What is the success rate of using frozen embryos, sperm or eggs?
Success rates vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and the quality of the frozen samples. Advances in freezing technology have significantly improved success rates in recent years.
What happens if I decide not to use my frozen embryos or sperm?
You can choose to donate your frozen embryos or sperm to research or another couple. Alternatively, you can opt to discard them. Discuss your options with your fertility clinic.\
Can I freeze my eggs after a certain age?
While it’s possible to freeze eggs at any age, the quality and quantity of eggs decline with age. Therefore, freezing eggs earlier is generally recommended.
How many embryos, eggs, or sperm should I freeze?
The number of eggs or sperm to freeze depends on individual factors and your desired family size. Your fertility specialist can help determine the optimal number.
What is the difference between egg freezing and embryo freezing?
Egg freezing involves freezing unfertilized eggs, while embryo freezing involves freezing fertilized eggs. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.