Given the challenging times and the ever-competitive work environments, certain personal choices have to take a back seat. One of these choices is having a baby. With women becoming career-oriented now more than ever, oocyte vitrification can certainly come in handy.
Let’s understand more about this process.
What is Oocyte Vitrification?
It is a process used to preserve a woman’s eggs. Oocyte vitrification lets women postpone pregnancy to a later date.
Initially, eggs or embryos are exposed to high concentrations of cryoprotectants. This is done to allow rapid dehydration of cells. Next, the eggs or embryos are loaded into small storage devices that allow ultra-rapid cooling. Next, the tiny devices containing the eggs/embryos are cooled rapidly, usually at thousands of degrees per minute.
Read the Service – Embryo Freezing or Cryopreservation
To ensure that the procedure is successful, a mature egg or oocyte is crucial. Sometimes, the frozen egg can develop a hardened shell. Hence, it has to be first injected into the sperm and then placed carefully inside the uterus. This is the most delicate step in the entire process. A mistake can disrupt the mitotic spindles and lead to the undesirable cell division of crucial structures.
Even after the process is completed, the rate of pregnancy with oocyte vitrification is different for each woman. The maturity of the egg and its freezing duration plays a major role in pregnancy.
Also, Read: Slow Freezing or Vitrification: Which is the Best
What are the Risks to Keep in Mind for Oocyte Vitrification?
Generally, the risks with assisted or oocyte vitrification are just as much as in natural pregnancy. Some of the possible risks are:
- Abnormalities in children
- Congenital defects or freezing abnormalities of the fetal egg
However, these risks can be easily addressed via a quick consultation with your gynaecologist.
What Preventive Measures Must You Take Before Oocyte Vitrification?
Some of the measures which you can take before you opt for this treatment are:
- Preserving the healthiest eggs
- Preserving your eggs early
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (for better health of your eggs)
- Consulting your doctor to know if you require any medical help before treatment
Today, even married women opt for this procedure, primarily to build their careers and to prevent age-related problems. So, if you are married too, discuss oocyte vitrification with your spouse.
Lately, it has also been observed that several fertility drugs have been prescribed to help women super ovulate or produce multiple eggs. The extra eggs produced are frozen for the process. This has led to a drastic elimination of crystallization, thus preventing chromosomal damage. Furthermore, many medical practitioners are of the opinion that flash freezing is much better than slow freezing methods.
Also, Read: Vitrification Of Eggs
On a Final Note:
Having a child and becoming parents are the greatest celebrations of human life. However, to enjoy it to the fullest, you ought to be in the right space (mentally, emotionally, and financially). Oocyte vitrification is not only an answer to those who are looking at delaying their pregnancy, but also to those who have been struggling with fertility issues. Consult a fertility doctor and take fertility treatment before considering this procedure. Ensure all your concerns, fears, and hopes are discussed and resolved. Once you have sufficient knowledge about oocyte vitrification, you can make an informed decision.
