Embryo storage at Haywards Heath Hospital

We use a process called ‘vitrification’ to freeze eggs and embryos. Vitrification involves rapid freezing and cooling of eggs and embryos preventing ice crystal formation, which can cause damage to eggs and embryos on thawing. Survival rates of eggs and embryos on thawing are known to be much higher using vitrification than other freezing/thawing methods.

Embryo Freezing (Vitrification)

Any good quality embryos that remain after fresh embryo transfer following IVF or ICSI treatment can be frozen, provided you consent to this. Embryos can be frozen at various developmental stages throughout their culture.

Occasionally, it may be decided to freeze all the viable embryos from a fresh IVF/ICSI cycle. This may be advised if there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

When the time is right for you to consider using the frozen embryos in a treatment cycle, either for sibling attempts or if the fresh cycle may have been unsuccessful, you will follow a Frozen Embryo Transfer cycle.

Support Through Fertility Treatment

Each person has a unique reaction to fertility treatment and their journey. It can be an emotional roller coaster and you may have feelings that range from disappointment and frustration to hope and excitement. It’s understandable but these feelings can be unpredictable and upsetting, and can cause tension in relationships. We are here to support you throughout your journey. Our team are trained and experienced in providing emotional support and we have specialist fertility counsellors who can work with you.