Supernumerary Embryos

After a fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycle, unused high-quality embryos are cryopreserved (vitrified) and stored in liquid nitrogen for potential future transfers. These are called supernumerary (extra) embryos and may be stored for years.

Patients must make decisions about their remaining embryos if they complete their families, including continued storage (annual fees apply), discarding, donating to another couple (embryo donation/adoption), or donating to research.

The existence of frozen embryos is a central ethical and logistical consideration in IVF and should be discussed with patients before beginning treatment.