Dr. Umma Salma

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Infertility Treatment Methods

Cryopreservation of embryos

The technique of freezing eggs, sperms or embryos in very low temperature (-196 degrees) is called cryopreservation or freezing. Freezing of embryos is a method thanks to which we are able to preserve surplus quality embryos for as long time as needed. They are kept in liquidized nitrogen and ready for later transfer. Cryopreservation in used when there is enough of quality embryos which have not been transferred in given cycle (for example for the risk of multiple pregnancy). In case of serious Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome or not suitable conditions for transfer (other illness of the patient, low lining etc.) all of the embryos are frozen. Despite of standardization of the procedure not all of the embryos will survive the defrosting in a condition suitable for transfer.
The success rate of the transfer of frozen embryos-defrosted embryos (cryo-embryo transfer) is lower than with fresh embryos. For the lady this is more convenient as she does not need to repeated hormonal therapy and egg retrieval. Based on current knowledge there is not known increased risk of abnormalities or congenital developmental defects caused by this method.

Who needs freezing?

Depending on your fertility needs, you might need egg, sperms or embryo freezing. Embryo freezing is the one most commonly done procedure in In Vitro Fertilization or IVF.

 

By this procedure any extra embryos left after transfer or in freeze all cycles embryos are cryopreserved for later use. Egg freezing is recommended in patients who are going to receive chemotherapy for cancer as it might affect their future fertility. Also, in patients who want to stop their biological clock, egg freezing does give them good chances of conception a d motherhood at later ages.

 

Sperm Freezing as a procedure is recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapy which might affect their future fertility, in patients with varying sperm counts, in patients planned for IVF cycle if there is a concern that, there might be difficulty in sperm collection on the day of egg retrieval.

Where is freezing or cryopreservation done?

Freezing can only be done in embryology labs of an IVF center. It is essential to use quality labs for this procedure as it directly impacts the conditions in which your gametes are preserved.

Whom should we consult for the procedure?

If you are planning to preserve your fertility through cryopreservation at the IVF center, meet an IVF specialist our IVF doctor at the earliest. They can answer all your queries and provide you with the chances of success with these procedures.