Eggs, sperm, or embryos are frozen at extremely low temperatures and then cryopreserved for later use. Then, the eggs, sperm, or embryos are thawed, fertilized, or utilized in a fertility therapy cycle when they are required. The use of each of these is possible for a number of artificial pregnancy methods. For many people, it is a comfort that the amount of frozen cells is not constrained by the passage of time. Since it doesn't do any harm to the cells in the process, this method is used in medical research.
Why should one do it?
Cryopreservation is often chosen by individuals for a number of reasons. The main motivation for doing it now is health-related. While healing the condition, these life-altering therapies might impair a person's fertility or result in infertility. In order to preserve their fertility in the face of lifestyle changes, many people decide to freeze their eggs, sperm, or embryos. The egg age comes without a time limit, so women can start a family later in life through IVF as per their own preferences.
What to keep in mind
- One of the safest methods available to many individuals today is cryopreservation.
- There should always be a backup strategy in place, but there is a minuscule chance that some cells won't survive the freezing procedure.
- Multiple cycles should be present regardless of how high the egg survival rate is to guarantee a future pregnancy. Warming up the embryos results in pregnancy rates that are quite close to those of fresh embryos.
- There should always be a backup embryo since the freezing process can harm embryos, causing the process to stall.
- Consult a doctor before thawing and implanting embryos since there is a potential that you won't get pregnant.
- When having twins or triplets, more than one embryo must be implanted for both babies to be healthy.
Advantages of cryopreservation
Postponing parenthood
Most women opt to freeze their eggs due to their busy lifestyles and desire to become pregnant at their own pace. Women's eggs start to degrade in their 30s, making it more challenging to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Those who want to postpone motherhood for personal reasons, it is advised to freeze higher-quality eggs in their 20s.
Genetic testing before implantation
Genetic testing should be done on the embryos before freezing them to ensure that certain genetic diseases won't be passed on to the woman's offspring. Then, embryos that are healthy genetically may be weeded out and utilized for uterine implantation.
Women who require chemotherapy or radiation
Male and female fertility are equally impacted by cancer therapy. The DNA of egg and sperm cells is destroyed by radiation and anti-cancer medications, greatly decreasing their viability. However, cryopreservation, which enables women undergoing aggressive cancer treatment to save eggs that may be utilized later, allows them to conceive.
Multiple pregnancy opportunities are offered by unused frozen embryos.
In the event that the initially frozen embryo doesn't work out, a second embryo might be implanted to increase the chance of becoming pregnant. The ability to use many frozen embryos for a prolonged amount of time is a feature of cryopreservation.
When should one see a doctor related to the matter?
Nowadays, many people wish to start a family in their late 30s, but this seems to come with a price. The decision to undertake cryopreservation may also be influenced by lifestyle, social, and professional factors. Women can simply contact Apollo Fertility in Brookfield on 1860 500 4424 for a consultation on this cryopreservation if they wish to be able to conceive at their own desired time without any difficulties.
Methods for cryopreservation
Vitrification
The vitrification cryopreservation procedure is used to maintain a sample in a condition resembling glass. The sample is frozen immediately to prevent the production of ice crystals during this rapid and inexpensive technique. However, there is a danger of contamination owing to subpar technique and potential toxicity from the high quantities because it doesn't involve any technical competence.
Slow freezing
Slow freezing is easier than the other method since it involves fewer technical abilities. However, due to the sample's decreased concentration, which reduces the likelihood of toxicity, there may be a greater chance that ice crystal formation may harm the cell. Because specialized freezing equipment is needed for slow freezing, the cost may be higher.
At any moment along the procedure, one is free to alter their mind. If there is a change of heart, the fertility doctor won't proceed with the procedure since it would be unlawful.
The frozen embryos that are not utilized are often destroyed, although they can be given to someone else who is attempting to conceive or donated to study.
