Over the past 40 years, embryo storage has played a major role in helping millions of Canadians achieve their dreams of becoming parents.
As part of various assisted reproductive technologies, embryo cryopreservation involves creating embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and then freezing them at ultra-low temperatures for preservation. The technology behind it is quite advanced, employing methods like vitrification to ensure the embryos remain viable when thawed.
The choice to freeze embryos is a very personal one and there are numerous personal, medical, and societal factors at play. Whether a person is single, in a relationship, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or preparing for gender-affirming surgery, embryo cryopreservation allows for embryos to be stored for decades so that couples can use them in the future.
Medical Reasons for Embryo Storage
Fertility Challenges
Infertility affects many couples worldwide, often causing emotional and physical strain. Common causes of infertility include issues with ovulation, sperm quality, and fallopian tube blockages. In addition, beginning at the age of 30, the quality and quantity of viable eggs diminishes. This biological clock can be a significant concern for many couples.
Embryo cryopreservation offers a solution by allowing couples to create and store embryos for later use. This can be a lifeline for those facing difficulties in conceiving naturally or for older women hoping to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Certain medical conditions and treatments may also have a direct or indirect effect on both a man and woman’s fertility. Hormonal imbalances, infections, tumours, and ovulation problems can increase the risk of infertility.
Genetic Conditions
Genetic testing can identify carriers of genetic diseases who might pass these conditions on to their children. Carrier testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be used alongside embryo cryopreservation to select healthy embryos, reducing the risk of genetic diseases.
The emotional and psychological impact of carrying a genetic disease can be overwhelming. Embryo cryopreservation allows couples to avoid transmitting these conditions to their offspring, providing a sense of relief and hope for a healthier future generation.
Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can significantly affect fertility. These treatments often lead to reduced egg or sperm quality and quantity. Embryo cryopreservation allows cancer patients to preserve their reproductive potential before undergoing these treatments, offering a ray of hope amidst their challenging medical journeys.
For those diagnosed with cancer, preserving the ability to have children in the future can be a crucial aspect of their recovery and long-term well-being. Embryo cryopreservation serves as a safeguard, enabling individuals to focus on their treatment without losing the opportunity to start a family later on.
Personal Reasons for Embryo Storage
Delayed Parenthood
Many young women chose to delay parenthood while following their career aspirations. While full-time careers are possible while raising a family, storing embryos can be an option for those who wish to focus 100% of their attention on their career.
Aside from careers, personal goals, such as travelling, pursuing higher education, or establishing financial stability, can lead to delays in parenthood. Embryo cryopreservation provides a safety net, ensuring that individuals can achieve their personal milestones while preserving the option to have biological children later on.
Couples often plan their family growth around significant relationship milestones. Embryo cryopreservation allows couples to synchronize their family planning with their life events, ensuring they are ready to welcome a child when the time is right.
Family Planning
Some couples dream of having multiple children at different stages of their lives. Embryo cryopreservation makes this possible by allowing them to store embryos and plan for future pregnancies. This approach can help in spacing out children according to the couple’s preferences and life circumstances.
For personal reasons, many couples prefer to have children close in age. Embryo cryopreservation provides parents the opportunity to decide when to have an embryo transfer.
Single Parenthood
Single individuals may also choose to freeze embryos as part of their family planning. Independent motherhood or fatherhood can be a fulfilling path, and embryo cryopreservation provides the flexibility needed to pursue this option without the pressure of immediate parenthood.
For those who anticipate finding a partner and starting a family in the future, embryo cryopreservation offers a viable solution. It ensures that they have the option to have biological children with a future partner, regardless of when that relationship materializes.
Societal Factors for Embryo Cryopreservation
Economic Considerations
With the rising cost of childcare, education, and acquiring the basic necessities in raising a child, many people may choose to wait until they have built up significant savings. By freezing embryos, couples can plan for these future expenses, ensuring they are financially prepared to provide the best for their children.
Economic factors, such as job security and financial stability, can influence the decision to delay parenthood. Embryo cryopreservation offers a way to mitigate these concerns, allowing couples to focus on their careers and financial goals while preserving their ability to start a family later on.
Looking for Embryo Cryopreservation? Find Expertise in Embryo Storage at ONE Fertility
There are many personal, medical, and societal factors that influence the decision to opt for embryo cryopreservation. For those contemplating freezing their embryos, taking the time to explore these reasons and seek professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether it’s overcoming fertility challenges, achieving personal goals, or planning for a secure future, embryo cryopreservation offers a pathway to realizing dreams and building families.
The fertility specialists at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo offer comprehensive and compassionate medical care, counselling, and support services for anyone struggling with infertility. We acknowledge and respect the reasons why an individual might choose embryo cryopreservation in Ontario.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your fertility options and learn more about our embryo cryopreservation services.
