To freeze or not to freeze? What did you decide IVF?

sunshinebride07

IVF ladies-

Did you decide to freeze or not freeze after your initial round?

What made you make this decision?

We are undecided on what to do....

IVF round 1 scheduled for 3 weeks from today

 

AmCheri

None of our embies made it to freeze so it turned out to be a non-issue. Given everything we've been through to date, we would choose freezing without a doubt.  

BzeetyD

Don't want to burst your bubble but it is rarer to have embryos to freeze than one thinks. Only 25% of IVFs at my clinic have any to freeze.

So, if you have them, freeze them.  It is rare gift that many do not have.

sunshinebride07

Thank you ladies-

Trying to figure this out - so overwhelming....

   

greely0729

I would definitely suggest freezing if you have that option. If you do a fresh cycle doesn't work out and you have frozen embies, it's also cheaper doing a frozen cycle and less stress on your body.

Good luck! 

racheyt0227

Freeze without a doubt.

mnj05

If we have any make it that far, we are freezing. There's no doubt in our minds about that.

Mitzi Bishi

I'm truly not trying to be snarky, but I don't really get your question...

First, don't assume you will have anything to freeze. It's an added bonus, but not the norm. Try to celebrate each and every step, because unfortunately there are plenty of things that can go awry and it's a big disappointment if you assume you'll have thing to freeze and then don't.

If you have the ability to freeze things then why wouldn't you? To go through all of this and discard embryos seems a bit daft. Many ladies unfortunately aren't a "one an done" scenario either, so having good quality and multiple chances is in your best interest. It's cheaper to pay for cryo then it is to do another fresh IVF anyway. 

Some people don't have the option due to OHSS or other issues and need to freeze things while their bodies are on the mend or timing works out, but fresh cycles have a higher success rate. 

Best of luck! 

luvboston

Freeze you spent a fortune for those embies

annalisel

If you are lucky enough to have embryos to freeze, it would unusual to not do so.

However, if you have religious/philosophical objections, and you are so lucky, you'll have to make the tough decision whether your value system is flexible enough to be compatible with freezing. The difference between a fresh and frozen cycle to the health of your body and your bank account is pretty dramatic.

Good luck with your decision. 

Jenny935

We plan to freeze any that make it to that point.

AmCheri

annalisel:

However, if you have religious/philosophical objections, and you are so lucky, you'll have to make the tough decision whether your value system is flexible enough to be compatible with freezing.

It's on this point that I understand the OP.  When we started down the IVF road, we struggled with multiple aspects of it.  Many of those concerns were never realized. And as for those concerns which have been an issue, I'll freely admit that our perspectives have changed to accommodate the circumstances. It's a dynamic process and you'll find your thoughts evolving the deeper into it you go.   If this wasn't the intention of the OP, I apologize for going astray.  

sunshinebride07

I am honestly asking because I am clueless- came home with all kinds of paperwork to sign - to freeze etc.

Just so many decisions to make - was just reaching out to see what others have done. Was just seeking some insight on one of the MANY decisions we have to make in 3 weeks time...

Thank you  

sunshinebride07

Thank you ladies for helping and offering supportive answers.

Just overwhelmed and appreciate hearing feedback/advice from all of you. I am not assuming in any way that we will have anything to freeze.

Thank you for your answers and input!   

AmCheri

sunshinebride07:

I am honestly asking because I am clueless- came home with all kinds of paperwork to sign - to freeze etc.

Just so many decisions to make - was just reaching out to see what others have done. Was just seeking some insight on one of the MANY decisions we have to make in 3 weeks time...

Thank you  

Gotcha. My advice to you is to not get too worked about these issues unless you're immediately faced with them.  Take it one step at a time and the process will be more manageable. GL! 

peanut126

We are still on the fence about it as well. So I understand your wanting insight. This stuff is super hard to navigate! I think we are leaning towards freezing if we can because FET cycles are cheaper.

maggie2324

There really is no reason not to freeze. Some clinics only freeze high quality blastocysts, in which case you're lucky to have some to freeze. This was the case with us, and we had 3 to freeze, which we thought was great to give us some siblings.

Our cycle didn't work, so we could save the $, time, and energy to do a FET, but for a variety of reasons we are doing another fresh. We are still saving our frosties for siblings. Even if you aren't planning on siblings, having frozen as backup in case of a failed cycle is smart.

Some clinics will freeze at earlier stages, so many patients have some to freeze. That is something that you'll want to know their policy on.

Gregermis

wouldn't think of not freezing extra embies.  Our clinic holds them free of charge for a year and my FET went MUCH better than my fresh cycle (though both ending in a m/c)

sunshinebride07

Thanks again ladies: )

I know many of you think this is a "dumb" question but I need to stress that we are so new to this and have many many "dumb" questions I am sure!

Learning as we go and hoping for positive results!!!

Sue  

Whales124

We froze.  After IVF 1 didn't work we transferred the frozen embryos before we started another cycle.  We just did another fresh cycle of IVF and froze 5.  We will probably do another fresh cycle before using the frozen ones due to our insurance coverage lapsing on us after Sept.  We pay OOP for transfers but save our coverage for fresh cycles.

We had the option of donation for the frozen embryos if we didn't end up using them and we decided not to do that.  We haven't had any we didn't use yet, so not sure what will do when/if that time comes.

AngnShaun

Freeze.  For use in the future.  

BOTB32010

We signed consents to freeze but I am donating 1/2 my eggs so I doubt we will have any left over. It would be a nice surprise if we do.

Our deciding factors were not wanting to have to go through another fresh cycle again if we didn't have to, lower price for frozen cycle, and the chance to have another baby if this cycle does in fact work without having to go through this whole process again.

cindyc24

I could not do a fresh transfer and was lucky to have 6 to freeze. I can tell you one thing for certain?if I do not have to go through the retrieval process ever again I will be the happiest girl in the world. For me it is not only the cost to do another cycle, but I was soooo sick and uncomfortable that I do not want to put my body through that again?unless I have to. 

What is weighing your decision of not freezing any extra embryos?  

SASSY1JA

I really struggled with the decison to do IVF (thank you Cathlic Church) but the decision to freeze for me was easy.  I see them as the start to life and could never throw away. Plus it's so much easier to do FET if given the oppurtunity.  We were lucky to have some to freeze on our second try.  I'm hoping to do FET now for when we TTC#2 or if God forbid something happens with this current one.

AngnShaun

BOTB32010:

We signed consents to freeze but I am donating 1/2 my eggs so I doubt we will have any left over. It would be a nice surprise if we do.

Our deciding factors were not wanting to have to go through another fresh cycle again if we didn't have to, lower price for frozen cycle, and the chance to have another baby if this cycle does in fact work without having to go through this whole process again.

AngnShaun

BOTB32010:

We signed consents to freeze but I am donating 1/2 my eggs so I doubt we will have any left over. It would be a nice surprise if we do.

Our deciding factors were not wanting to have to go through another fresh cycle again if we didn't have to, lower price for frozen cycle, and the chance to have another baby if this cycle does in fact work without having to go through this whole process again.