What is oocyte vitrification?
Oocyte vitrification is a procedure that helps a woman become more fertile so that her eggs and embryos can be preserved for use in the future during fertility treatments. Many individuals may now become pregnant at their own pace thanks to technology, which makes the practice appealing in various situations and calls into question the process's ethical, religious, and legal implications. The frozen material must be an oocyte, an immature egg. This oocyte vitrification process is now more effective than ever and is employed in medical therapies.
Why should one do it?
- Treatment for any serious illness will impact future fertility potential, which is where vitrification comes in and helps people conceive a biological child after treatment.
- Due to several reasons, people prefer IVF, where frozen embryos are transferred, and it does wonders. People prefer this because it reduces the risk of hyperstimulation and aids in the completion of a new cycle.
- This process is recommended in numerous and very wide-ranging situations for people's future use as it can postpone the fertilization of the oocytes, in other words, their pregnancy.
Benefits
Both legal and ethical constraints on embryo cryopreservation can be avoided
Infertile couples benefit from the cryopreservation of their embryos, and oocyte vitrification helps them sidestep moral or religious concerns. In fact, in nations where the legislation prevents the cryopreservation of embryos, this has emerged as one of the most popular methods for female reproductive cryopreservation.
It clears the way for the egg donation program
Today's women frequently use donor oocytes since they experience difficulties conceiving and early ovarian failure. The procedure is challenging and time-consuming since it calls for the hormonal synchronization of the menstrual cycles of the donor and recipient. To guarantee a healthy pregnancy, the donors' eggs must be examined in light of all of this. Egg banks have eased and improved the present lack of egg donors.
People get the choice to postpone motherhood
Women can temporarily put off having children to focus on their professional lives because of this procedure, known as oocyte vitrification. Oocyte vitrification, which is effective for many people, is an option for those who want to avoid this risk at an advanced maternal age due to infertility.
Is it that effective?
Unlike other types of assisted reproductive technology, the oocyte vitrification procedure carries no danger of defects in offspring. Many women receiving treatments have favoured this procedure due to how the treatment affects their bodies and fertility. To save the healthiest eggs for future use, an increasing number of women are now freezing their eggs. Medical experts have demonstrated that this procedure, although time-consuming, is highly effective and has resulted in successful births for some women.
Measurements
- A test must be performed before obtaining a donor's egg to avoid the donor's illnesses.
- The eggs need to be properly frozen and thawed to be utilized later.
- If the first embryo is unable to effectively carry the pregnancy, there should always be a backup.
- To preserve the healthiest eggs possible, women should think about freezing their eggs as early as feasible. Thanks to this, they may be able to prevent having a child with Down syndrome.
Types of Oocyte Freezing
Slow Freezing
The oocyte cell is chilled to the appropriate temperature in this procedure using a gradual cooling technique. At this temperature, all biological activity stops, safely preserving the egg cell for future use. People no longer favour the slow freezing approach because it takes too long.
Vitrification
The oocyte cells are rapidly cooled to the correct temperature in this vitrification procedure, which causes the cells to seem vitrified or glass-like without any formation of ice crystals. It's crucial for high-quality frozen eggs that the procedure be quick while maintaining egg quality. As a more convenient, fast, and affordable form of cryopreservation, vitrification has grown in popularity.
When can one see a doctor?
Women who are infertile and those who wish to put off having children until they are older should see a doctor before beginning this process. The doctor may assist them with anything, including testing, egg freezing, and other procedures. Apollo Fertility delivers top-notch service while comprehending the demands of the patient, so if you are beginning to have doubts about the physicians and the procedure, we have you covered. Make an appointment by calling 1860-500-4424, and they will do the rest.
Oocyte vitrification follows a rather simple, step-by-step procedure. Ovulation is stimulated in the woman to develop more than one egg. Eggs are retrieved. Following retrieval, the eggs receive a cryoprotective solution that stops ice crystals from forming in the freezing process. The eggs are dehydrated and stabilized with the cryoprotectants before being rapidly frozen using vitrification. This super-rapid freezing prevents the formation of ice crystals and hence does not damage the eggs. The frozen eggs are then preserved at -196°C in liquid nitrogen until used.
Oocyte vitrification has a high survival rate. Studies show that more than 90% of vitrified eggs survive the thawing process. However, the success of fertilization and pregnancy depends on factors like the woman’s age and the quality of the eggs before freezing. While the survival rate is high, pregnancy success depends on the quality of the procedure, including the freezing and thawing methods.
In IVF, the sperm may either come from the male partner or from a sperm donor. Where both partners go for IVF together, the sperm comes from the male partner. If the male has issues with his fertility, or there is no male at all, a sperm donor will be used. The sperm is then either injected into the egg, ICSI, or put in the same dish as the egg for it to fertilize naturally.
Vitrification works by using a cryoprotectant solution that helps to prevent ice crystals from occurring within the eggs. Ice crystals may damage the cells, specifically the membrane and inner structures. Therefore, by freezing the eggs, it turns the water inside the cells into a glass-like substance rather than ice. This rapid freezing helps maintain the viability of the eggs after thawing, which eventually enables fertilization.
Oocyte vitrification occurs at extreme low temperatures. After subjecting the eggs to the cryoprotectants, they are cooled quickly to about -196 degrees Celsius, which is close to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This freezing temperature has ensured that the eggs do not get damaged by the ice crystals as they are saved. The eggs are maintained in liquid nitrogen at that temperature until they are taken for fertilization.
The success of IVF with four eggs depends on factors like egg quality and the woman’s age. However, even with a small number of eggs, it’s still possible to have a successful IVF outcome. At Apollo Fertility, we use advanced techniques and personalized care to optimize the IVF process. With the right support and expertise, successful pregnancies can happen even with fewer eggs. It’s important to discuss your specific situation with a fertility expert to explore the best options.
