1
Stimulate and retrieve
A cycle takes around two weeks. Ovaries are stimulated with hormonal injections, monitored by blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound. Once ready, eggs are retrieved in an outpatient procedure.
Embryo Freezing
Embryo Freezing
Fertilise now, freeze embryos for the right moment later.
Eggs are retrieved in an outpatient procedure after around two weeks of hormonal stimulation. Sperm is collected on the day of retrieval and used to fertilise mature eggs.
Once developed into embryos, they are assessed and preserved through vitrification.
Overview
An embryo freezing treatment cycle can be understood in four key stages.
2
Assess and freeze
Sperm is collected on the day of egg retrieval and prepared for fertilisation. Mature eggs are selected and fertilised. Embryos develop and divide in culture until ready for genetic testing and/or transfer.
3
Fertilise and screen
Embryos are screened; biopsy may be performed for genetic testing to check for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders. Embryos are then frozen — either by slow cooling or vitrification — and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks.
4
Transfer
Embryo transfer is a short procedure where an embryo is placed into the uterine cavity via a catheter. Before transfer, the body needs to be prepared for implantation, which may take around six weeks.
Reference process and timeline
What a typical cycle looks like
Many factors affect timing. This reference timeline covers a typical cycle up to vitrification.