Understanding the Difference: Embryo Banking vs. IVF
When it comes to fertility, patients often hear terms like embryo banking and IVF. While they share similarities, they serve different purposes and are tailored to individual needs.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment designed to help patients conceive. It involves:
- Ovarian stimulation – eggs are collected after hormone treatments.
- Fertilization – eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab.
- Embryo transfer – one or more embryos are placed in the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
- When preimplantation genetic testing is involved, cryopreservation is necessary, but with the intention that a “first transfer attempt’ would take place after only a short period of time. Generally speaking, this is within a few months.
The take home message is that when we refer to “IVF”, we are generally referring to patients who are ready to start or continue their journey toward pregnancy immediately.
What is Embryo Banking?
Embryo banking is a process where embryos are created through IVF but frozen for future use, rather than transferred immediately. This approach is often used by:
- Patients diagnosed with cancer who want to preserve fertility before treatment.
- Individuals who want to delay family-building for personal or medical reasons.
- Patients planning multiple cycles to increase their chances of success in the future.
The process for embryo banking is similar to IVF, but the key difference is that embryos REMAIN cryopreserved for an extended period (until the patient is ready to use them). Very generally speaking, we are talking about cryopreservation for at least a year but it can be as long as several years.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | IVF | Embryo Banking |
| Goal | Immediate pregnancy | Preserve embryos for future use |
| Embryo Use | Fresh transfer or frozen transfer | All embryos frozen |
| Ideal For | Patients ready to conceive | Patients delaying pregnancy or facing medical treatments |
| Timing | Pregnancy attempt soon after egg retrieval | Flexible, can be used years later |
Making the Right Choice
Deciding between IVF and embryo banking depends on your age, family-building timeline, fertility history, and personal goals. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine the best approach for your journey.
At Marin Fertility Center, we offer both IVF and embryo banking, providing compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.