When it comes to IVF, there’s no shortage of myths and misconceptions. One popular belief is that frozen embryos are somehow less likely to result in a successful pregnancy compared to fresh embryos. But let’s set the record straight:

this is simply not true. In fact, frozen embryos have often proven to be just as effective as fresh embryos in achieving a successful pregnancy. Let’s break this down and explore why freezing embryos could even actually work in your favour.

Fresh vs. Frozen: The same success rates

First, let’s tackle the big question: Is there really a difference in success rates between fresh and frozen embryos? The answer is no. Multiple studies have shown that frozen embryos used in IVF have success rates comparable to fresh embryos.

How is this possible? Advancements in cryopreservation techniques—particularly vitrification, a rapid freezing method—have made it possible to preserve embryos in a way that keeps them healthy and viable for transfer. When thawed, these embryos are just as capable of implanting in the uterus and developing into a healthy pregnancy as fresh ones.

So, if you’ve been worrying that frozen embryos are “second best,” rest assured— they’re every bit as effective.

Why timing matters

Think of it like planting a seed. You wouldn’t plant it in soil that hasn’t been properly prepared, right? The same logic applies to embryo transfers. Frozen embryo transfers give doctors the flexibility to choose the perfect moment to “plant” the embryo in the uterine lining, when it’s most likely to thrive.

During a frozen embryo cycle, the IVF specialist can focus on creating the ideal conditions for implantation. This involves carefully monitoring hormone levels, ensuring the uterine lining is at the right thickness, and addressing any issues that could impact the transfer. With frozen embryos, you’re not racing against the clock. Instead, you’re giving your doctor the best possible chance for success.

Coordinating the timing for a fresh embryo transfer in surrogacy can be particularly challenging because it requires aligning two individuals’ bodies—those of the intended mother (or egg donor) and the surrogate carrier. The surrogate’s uterus must be perfectly prepared to receive the embryo at the exact time the intended mother’s or donor’s eggs are retrieved, fertilized, and developed into embryos. This process requires precise hormonal synchronization, which can be complicated by unforeseen factors like variations in menstrual cycles, the surrogate’s response to medications, or even travel logistics if the surrogate and intended parents are in different locations. In contrast, with a frozen embryo transfer, the embryos are preserved until the surrogate’s body is fully prepared and conditions are optimal for implantation. This flexibility removes much of the time-sensitive pressure, making the process smoother, less stressful, and more effective in ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Why frozen embryos are not inferior

It’s understandable why some people might think frozen embryos are less effective. After all, the idea of “fresh” seems inherently better. But this is a misconception rooted in outdated thinking.

Years ago, freezing and thawing embryos was a much less refined process. Embryos were often damaged during freezing, resulting in lower success rates. But thanks to modern cryopreservation techniques, this is no longer the case. Vitrification ensures that embryos are frozen and thawed without compromising their quality.

In fact, many fertility clinics now even favour frozen embryo transfers over fresh ones because of their flexibility and the opportunity to optimize the timing of implantation.

The emotional side of freezing embryos

Let’s not forget the emotional benefits of freezing embryos. Surrogacy can be a stressful and exhausting process. A lot takes place between taking the leap and starting a journey and arriving to embryo creation. Freezing embryos allows you to take a breather after egg retrieval, giving you time to prepare mentally and oftentimes financially, for next steps and embryo transfer.

For some hopeful parents, this pause can be a welcome opportunity to regain balance and focus before moving forward but it can also be a powerful tool for planning for the future. By freezing embryos, you’re essentially able to create a “bank” of possibilities, giving yourself more flexibility and options down the road.

Expanding your family later on

If you’re planning to have more than one child though surrogacy, freezing embryos can help you plan for a sibling journey. Instead of repeating the entire IVF process —egg retrieval, fertilization, and transfer—you’ll already have embryos stored and ready to use. This not only simplifies the process but can also be more costeffective in the long run. Whether safeguarding the aging process of your own eggs or securing a genetic link through your firstborn’s egg donor, embryo banking ensures you have embryos ready when the time is right for your family to expand further.

At the end of the day, the decision between using fresh or frozen embryos isn’t about which is “better” in a general sense—it’s about what works best for your unique journey. Both fresh and frozen embryos have been consistently proven to result in healthy pregnancies, thanks to the incredible advancements in modern fertility care. The right choice depends on the overall timing of your surrogacy journey.

The key takeaway? Myths about frozen embryos being less effective simply don’t hold up against the science. With modern fertility advancements, frozen embryos are equally capable of leading to a healthy pregnancy—and they even come with added benefits like reduced stress, better timing, and more opportunities for genetic testing. So, if your path involves frozen embryos and you’re grappling with the myth ‘Fresh is Best’, just know that science is on your side.