Embryos or sperm can be preserved for future use by cryopreservation. Although a few (about 200 pregnancies) have been conceived using frozen eggs, the procedure is still too new to recommend widespread use. However, frozen embryos can remain viable for long periods of time. If a couple has an excess of embryos from an IVF cycle, frozen embryos can be used for a future cycle without hormonal stimulation or for subsequent pregnancies.

Sperm can be cryopreserved, stored for use during an IUI cycle if the partner or sperm donor travels frequently. All donor sperm is now cryopreserved and quarantined for a period of six months to confirm that the donor does not carry any viral diseases.

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