Frozen Donor Embryos in Canada

At Indian Egg Donors, we are proud to now offer our own bank of frozen donor embryos, a service we highly recommend to intended parents across Canada. Until recently, we did not offer this service, but the advancements in reproductive technology have made frozen donor embryos a reliable, viable option.

Why Frozen Donor Embryos?

Until very recently, the freezing technology used in assisted reproduction was not as effective as it is today. The human egg is a large cell, composed mostly of water, making it particularly vulnerable during freezing and thawing. The slow freezing process traditionally used led to the formation of ice crystals in the egg's cytoplasm, which compromised the genetic material and overall integrity of the cell. This resulted in a lower survival rate for thawed eggs—typically around 60%. Since eggs are more fragile than embryos, the survival rate for thawed eggs was even lower.

However, the introduction of vitrification, or flash freezing, has revolutionized egg and embryo freezing. Vitrification prevents ice crystals from forming, replacing water in the egg with another agent before cooling it at high speeds in liquid nitrogen. This process has significantly improved survival rates, now approaching 98% for embryos and 90-95% for eggs upon thawing.

Scientific Advancements and Success Rates

In 2012, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) removed egg freezing from the list of experimental procedures due to the success rates now being on par with fresh cycles. Numerous studies have confirmed that vitrified eggs and embryos produce fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates equivalent to fresh cycles.

For instance, statistics from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine show the following comparison between frozen (vitrified) eggs and fresh eggs:

  • 74.2% of frozen eggs successfully fertilize vs 73.3% of fresh eggs
  • 39.9% implantation rate with frozen eggs vs 40.9% for fresh eggs
  • 55.4% pregnancy rate with frozen eggs vs 55.6% with fresh eggs

This breakthrough in freezing technology is reshaping the landscape of third-party egg donation and shifting the preference from fresh donor eggs to frozen donor embryos.

Genetic Screening of Donor Embryos

The primary concern for intended parents is ensuring a healthy child. With rapid advancements in genetic screening, we offer the most advanced testing for genetic mutations associated with hereditary disorders. All of our egg donors undergo extensive genetic carrier screening, which detects over 100 genetic conditions, providing greater than 99.9% accuracy.

Although genetic testing cannot detect every possible genetic condition, it significantly reduces the risk of passing on inheritable diseases. We screen for diseases such as:

  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Tay-Sachs Disease
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Fragile X Syndrome
  • Beta Thalassemia
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy
  • Canavan Disease, and many more

Testing is performed using a blood or saliva sample from the donor, and we also encourage sperm donors to undergo genetic testing. By evaluating genetic risks before embryo creation, we help minimize the risk of passing on potentially serious hereditary conditions.

Frozen Donor Embryos vs. Fresh Embryos

Using frozen donor embryos has become increasingly popular due to the advanced vitrification process. While fresh embryos were once the preferred choice, the success rates between fresh and frozen embryos are now virtually identical.

The key advantages of using frozen embryos include:

  • Immediate Availability:Unlike fresh embryos, which require donor synchronization and careful timing, frozen embryos are available immediately, minimizing wait times.
  • Reduced Risk of Delays: There are no delays associated with the synchronization of donor cycles, as the embryos are already created and stored.
  • Success Rates: Studies show comparable success rates between fresh and vitrified embryos, making frozen embryos a reliable choice.

Frozen Donor Embryos Pricing

At Indian Egg Donors, we offer a variety of financial options to suit your needs. The cost of using frozen donor embryos typically ranges from $14,000 to $24,000 CAD, depending on factors such as the donor’s background and education level. For example, embryos from donors with advanced degrees may cost more than those from individuals with high school diplomas. The pricing is for a cohort of embryos, which includes a minimum of six embryos per donor cycle.

FAQs for Surrogacy in Canada

Frozen donor embryos are embryos that have been created using donated eggs and sperm, then frozen for future use. These embryos are available immediately for transfer into the intended mother’s uterus, eliminating the waiting time required for fresh cycles.

Preparation for an embryo transfer involves hormone therapy to ensure that the recipient’s uterus is ready for implantation. This includes the use of estrogen and progesterone to thicken the uterine lining. Once the endometrial lining is optimal, the embryo transfer will take place.

The success rate with frozen donor embryos is comparable to that of fresh embryos. The pregnancy rate with vitrified embryos is around 55-56%, depending on the clinic and other factors.

The cost of using frozen donor embryos from Indian Egg Donors typically ranges from $14,000 to $24,000 CAD per cohort of six embryos. Prices vary based on the donor’s background and educational qualifications.

Unfortunately, all of our donors remain anonymous, and their identities are not shared with recipients, nor are the identities of the recipients disclosed to the donors.

Once a frozen embryo is selected, the process is relatively quick. Embryos can be thawed and ready for transfer within 5 days of fertilization, reducing the wait time significantly compared to fresh cycles.

Start Your Journey Today

If you are interested in using frozen donor embryos for your fertility journey, please contact Dr. Vijaya at Indian Egg Donors for more information. We are here to guide you every step of the way, providing the support and expertise needed to help you grow your family.

Contact us today at:

Phone: 1-212-661-7177

Email: info@indianeggdonors.com

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