IVF — General Information › Embryo Freezing
Embryo Freezing
This page is provided for general information. IVF treatment is not carried out at this practice; it is provided only in assisted reproduction (ART) centres licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Embryo freezing stores healthy embryos not transferred in an IVF cycle at very low temperature. The rapid freezing technique used today (vitrification) has markedly improved survival rates after thawing.
When it is done
- More healthy embryos obtained in a cycle than are transferred
- Transfer deferred because of a risk of overstimulation
- Awaiting the results of genetic testing (PGT)
- A womb lining not suitable for transfer in that cycle
- Preserving fertility before cancer treatment
- The woman not wishing to conceive at that time
Frozen embryo transfer
A stored embryo is thawed and transferred in a later cycle once the womb lining has been prepared. That cycle requires neither egg collection nor high-dose medication.
Frozen embryo transfer now achieves pregnancy rates comparable with fresh transfer and is preferred in certain groups of patients.
Storage and the legal framework
Embryos are held in liquid nitrogen in the storage unit of a licensed centre. The duration of storage, its renewal and its termination are governed in Türkiye by assisted reproduction regulations; embryos may be used only by the married couple themselves and with the written consent of both.
Extending the storage period requires the couple to attend the centre at defined intervals — keeping to that schedule is the couple's responsibility and should not be overlooked.
Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that freezing increases the risk of abnormality in the child. Pregnancies from embryos stored for long periods also progress normally.
Not every embryo survives the thawing process intact; this possibility is discussed beforehand.
