Freezing eggs or embryos?

Before we begin: Let's recap

The process of egg freezing consists of capturing a woman's eggs so that they can be used in the future. Once the time comes, the eggs are extracted from liquid nitrogen, thawed, fertilized with the sperm chosen by the patient (it can be from her partner or a donor) and placed in her uterus (that is, they are used for in vitro fertilization). The process of freezing of embryos, on the other hand, consists of capturing the eggs and having a sperm sample. With these, fertilization is done in the laboratory and an embryo is created. The embryo is frozen and, when the couple wishes, it is implanted in the uterus. But when it comes to choosing, which is better? Freezing eggs or embryos?

One by another

What's the difference between freezing eggs and embryos? One of the disadvantages of freezing eggs is that it's impossible to know for sure the quality of the eggs by analyzing them on their own: the only way to know is to try to fertilize them. That is, a person who decides to freeze eggs will only know the potential of their eggs the moment they use them. On the other hand, when an embryo is frozen, eggs have to go through a series of obstacles and tests (including fertilization) that demonstrate their quality and likelihood of becoming a baby. This makes freezing embryos a safer bet, but also more expensive and less flexible.

Flexibility is freedom

A big advantage of freezing eggs is that you don't need a sperm donor or partner to do it. Women can make the decision today and in the future to choose who the genetic father is. This makes egg freezing a flexible option that allows women not to be tied to a particular sperm.

Freezing eggs or embryos? It could be both!

The question “Is it better to freeze eggs or embryos?” is difficult to answer and depends on each body and life. Here's some good news: you can freeze eggs and embryos! This allows you to have the benefits of both worlds. This way, you can take advantage of the chance of success offered by freezing embryos and the flexibility of freezing eggs. In addition, you can do it in the same cycle, so you only have to undergo medications and surgery once.

What if I never use them?

Great question! The truth is that many people prefer to try to conceive without treatment and, if it doesn't work, go to the thawing of their eggs or embryos. If you do manage to get pregnant, you can leave them frozen until you're sure they won't be used; there's no time limit. In case you never use them (a happy setting, if you think about it!) , you can donate them to another person or couple, donate them for research, or discard them.