Cryopreservation, or freezing, can be done for sperm, oocytes (unfertilized or fertilized), or early embryos by placing them in a special freezing medium and storing them at an extremely low temperature. They can remain frozen for months or even years, and can be thawed for use in IVF or embryo transfer. Sometimes, couples may have a need to store semen specimens in advance of the IVF procedure. Others may want to freeze semen or eggs due to cancer treatment, military service, occupational risks, or for other reasons. Embryos either generated on-site at our facility or sent to us from other assisted reproductive technology facilities can be stored for immediate or future use.

Naturally, there are several questions that couples or individuals will have about our cryopreservation program:

• What are the methods used?
• How safe or proven are the chosen methods
• How much difference is there between fresh versus frozen eggs, sperm or embryos in terms of live birth rates?

We encourage all of the inquiries, and will be happy to discuss them at your appointment with one of our physicians.

Live birth rate data may be viewed for our Center:

• Mark W. Surrey, M.D.
• Hal C. Danzer, M.D.