In the United States, during the IVF procedure, well-developed blastocysts are typically preserved for a period before transplantation, using a technique known as fertility preservation. This process is crucial, and many people may have questions about it. This article will delve into the reasons and advantages of preserving embryos during the IVF process in the United States to help you better understand this important step.

Why are blastocysts preserved before transplantation?

Firstly, for the operation of third-generation IVF technology. The third-generation IVF technology can improve the overall success rate, but the testing process is relatively lengthy, taking approximately two weeks. During this period, well-cultivated blastocysts need to be preserved to prevent them from becoming inactive during the testing phase. The third-generation IVF technology includes preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGS is a genetic screening technique before embryo transplantation, which can screen the structure and number of chromosomes in blastocysts after egg retrieval. The survival rate of embryos after transplantation is very high, and it can also prevent diseases caused by chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome, ensuring the quality of embryos after transplantation and effectively reducing miscarriage and premature birth rates. PGD is a preimplantation genetic diagnostic technology, which involves gene testing and diagnosis of specific segments on a particular chromosome. Currently, reproductive centers in the United States can use this technology to detect nearly 300 genetic diseases, preventing diseases such as thalassemia, hemophilia, congenital megacolon, chondrodysplasia, and pigmentary disorders from the source.

Secondly, to prevent unexpected situations and interrupt the IVF cycle. During the IVF cycle, unexpected situations may arise temporarily, such as the male partner being unable to provide sperm on the day of egg retrieval due to nervousness or other reasons, the husband being unable to travel to the United States for personal reasons, or the female being unable to proceed immediately with the subsequent IVF process after egg retrieval due to other reasons. To avoid wasting the hard-earned fertility, it is necessary to preserve it to ensure its activity. When the future father can obtain sperm in a timely manner or the temporary issues of the future mother are resolved, the process can be resumed and operated according to the normal IVF procedure. This will not affect the success rate of embryo transplantation and IVF, and the health of the baby remains the same. Fertility preservation has addressed the temporary issue of not wanting to conceive for many women, significantly increasing the success rate of IVF.

Thirdly, to delay the age of fertility. Nowadays, many women are not in a hurry to get married and do not have immediate plans to have children. Some married women have been delaying childbirth. Women typically release around 10 eggs per month, and the total number of eggs in a lifetime is fixed, making them very precious. However, as women age, the quality of eggs deteriorates, leading to fertility issues for many older women. Fertility preservation is a reassuring technique for them. By preserving in the United States while still young, the issue of age is effectively addressed, essentially retaining their prime reproductive years.