Cryopreservation
What Is Cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is the process of freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos to sub-zero temperatures for later use. When the eggs, sperm, or embryos are needed, they are thawed and fertilized or used in a fertility treatment cycle. Sperm may be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The term used for this technique comes from the ancient Greek word”kryos” which means “cold”
Why is embryo cryopreservation done?
There are many reasons a couple might choose to freeze and store their embryos
They may feel it is a better option than having the extra embryos destroyed.
It can provide another chance to get pregnant if the IVF process fails the first time. The couple will not have to go through IVF again.
If the couple has a baby they can use the embryos later to have a second baby.
The woman can save embryos before she begins treatments such as for cancer that might reduce or eliminate her chances of getting pregnant.
The embryos could be saved and given to someone else in a donor program.
The embryos could be saved and donated for research.
What can be stored?
1.Unfertilised eggs
2.Fertilised eggs in the pronuclear stage
3.Embryos
4.Sperm
5.Testicular tissue
6.Ovarian tissue
7.In social freezing
When is embryo cryopreservation done?
Embryos are often frozen from one to six days after they are made.
How long can embryos be stored?
Once they are frozen, the embryos are stored in sealed liquid nitrogen freezers. Embryos can be frozen in liquid nitrogen for many years.
How safe is embryo cryopreservation?
Research has shown that freezing and thawing embryos does not harm the baby. Children born from frozen embryos have no greater rate of birth defects or health problems than children born from embryos that were not frozen.
Does embryo cryopreservation work?
Many healthy babies have been born from embryos that were frozen and thawed. Some babies have been born from embryos frozen for more than 10 years. IVF programs with good cryopreservation techniques have the same pregnancy rates as fresh and frozen embryos.
The cryotransfer can be carried out at optimal cycle conditions without any hormonal support. Another possibility is to assist the build-up of the lining of the uterus with oestrogen and to optimally prepare it for the implantation of the egg. The doctor can measure the thickness of the lining of the uterus with an ultrasound scan. Once it is thick enough, ovulation is stimulated by administering progesterone. This changes the structure of the lining, preparing it to receive embryos. The third option is hormonal stimulation with clomiphene or FSH to support follicle maturation prior to embryo transfer. The doctor can then insert the embryo/embryos into the uterus using a soft catheter.
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