Are the “Oldest” Frozen Twins in the U.S. Born After 30 Years?

2024-05-27 20:43:43，visits： 79

In Oregon, USA, twins Lydia and Timothy Ridgeway were born from embryos that had been frozen for 30 years, making them the longest-known frozen embryos in the world. The parents, Philip and Rachel, successfully became pregnant and gave birth to the twins through the implantation of these embryos. This miracle has sparked interest and discussion about the technology of embryo freezing.

The concept of freezing embryos first emerged in the 1980s when fertility experts began experimenting with freezing embryos under suitable conditions. Although this process was not widely used initially, advancements in technology have made frozen embryos a common fertility option.

Many couples with fertility issues or those choosing to delay childbirth opt for IVF, and frozen embryos provide them with a flexible reproductive timetable. The success rate of IVF is not always guaranteed on the first try, but by freezing embryos, they can be used in future cycles, significantly increasing the success rate for each cycle. Additionally, frozen embryos offer convenience for couples wishing to delay pregnancy due to career or health reasons. Currently, clinics across the United States store over 500,000 embryos for future use.

The process of embryo freezing begins with fertilizing eggs with healthy sperm in a petri dish, forming viable embryos. These healthy, unused embryos are then frozen using vitrification. The vitrification technique removes water from the cells and then freezes the cells with liquid nitrogen, safely preserving the embryos. These frozen embryos are stored in medical facilities and donation clinics and are thawed and prepared for use when the patient is ready.

Studies have shown that frozen embryos are as viable as fresh embryos and can be used safely after months or years. To date, no genetic abnormalities have been found due to freezing. On average, women or couples use embryos within 5 to 10 years after the initial freezing.

Dr. Nathan Zhang from IVF USA points out that frozen embryos are a crucial part of the IVF cycle, with almost all IVF cycles involving frozen embryos and genetic screening. If the first implantation is unsuccessful, frozen embryos can be used in subsequent cycles, increasing the chances of success. Additionally, using frozen embryos is more cost-effective than repeated fresh IVF cycles. However, factors affecting the viability of frozen embryos do exist. For example, women under 35 are advised to provide more viable eggs to create healthier embryos.

Advances in embryo freezing technology have not only brought new life to families like Philip and Rachel but also offer new hope to many couples facing fertility challenges. If you are interested in IVF or frozen embryo technology, feel free to contact Dr. Nathan Zhang and his team at IVF USA. They will provide professional consultation and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your reproductive dreams.