Cryopreservation, the process of freezing and storing reproductive cells and embryos, offers a remarkable solution for men and women facing various circumstances that may impact their fertility. Whether you are seeking to preserve your fertility before undergoing medical treatments, pursuing elective fertility preservation for personal reasons, or planning for future family-building options, our team of experienced specialists is here to guide you every step of the way.
Cryopreservation is a process used in fertility treatments, where cells or whole tissues are preserved at very low temperatures. This technology allows for the storage of biological material such as eggs, sperm, and embryos for extended periods of time with minimal damage to the stored material. By freezing these samples, they can be thawed later and used in various fertility treatments. Cryopreservation plays an important role in modern healthcare, as a way of preserving reproductive materials for use later on. It also has the potential to open up new possibilities in fertility treatments, offering a wider range of options for those who wish to start or expand a family. Additionally, cryopreservation can provide peace of mind to those undergoing fertility treatments, as they can store samples for future use.
During a consultation for cryopreservation, Dr. Jagrati Laad will discuss the process with you and explain possible risks. Tests may also be performed to check your egg quality and hormone levels, ask about your medical history, and provide counseling on family planning options. The doctor may then recommend the best course of action for you based on all the information they have gathered. The consultation will also include a discussion of potential outcomes, so you can make an informed decision. After your consultation, the doctor may refer you to a fertility clinic for cryopreservation or provide further advice and support. You may be asked to sign a consent form before proceeding with any treatments.
The cryopreservation process starts with the collection of the desired biological material. This can be done by collecting sperm, eggs, or embryos from a fertility clinic, or through the donation of material from an outside source. Once collected, they are then frozen in liquid nitrogen at temperatures between -196°C and -210°C. During this process, the cells are gradually cooled down in a cryoprotectant solution to reduce any potential damage that could occur in extreme cold. Afterward, they are stored in a cry tank or vial and monitored to ensure their viability. When needed, these samples can be thawed for various fertility treatments.
The process of egg cryopreservation, also known as oocyte cryopreservation involves 3 main steps: hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, and freezing.
1. Hormone Stimulation In egg cryopreservation, hormone stimulation is necessary for the production of multiple eggs. During this phase, fertility medications will be administered to the patient in order to induce ovulation and the release of several mature eggs from the follicles within her ovaries. The number of eggs that are retrieved will depend on the patient’s age and health.
2. Egg Retrieval Once the eggs have been released from the follicles, they can be collected during a minor outpatient procedure. This is done under light sedation and involves retrieving the eggs via a thin needle that is inserted into each follicle in the ovary.
3. Freezing After the eggs have been retrieved, they are immediately frozen using a process called vitrification. This is done by rapidly cooling them to temperatures close to -200°C. At this temperature, ice crystals do not form and the cells can be preserved without any damage to their structure or integrity. The eggs are then stored in liquid nitrogen tanks for long-term preservation.
Cryopreservation of sperm is a process of freezing and storing sperm for future use.
The process of cryopreservation of sperm begins with the collection of a semen sample. The semen sample is typically collected through masturbation, although in some cases it can be collected surgically or from an anonymous donor. Once the sample is collected, it is processed to remove impurities and prepare it for freezing. This includes centrifuging the sample to separate the sperm cells and seminal fluid, as well as washing the sample to remove any bacteria or debris. The washed and processed sample is then placed in a cryogenic tank or vial containing cryoprotective agents to protect it during freezing. This particular mixture helps to maintain the viability of the sperm cells by preventing damage from ice crystal formation. The sperm cells are then cooled at a slow rate over several hours in liquid nitrogen, and the temperature is slowly lowered to -196°C. Afterward, the sample can be safely stored in a cryogenic tank or vial until it is needed for future use.
Sperm samples can remain viable after freezing for many years if properly stored. When ready, the sample can be thawed and used for various fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Cryopreservation of embryos is a process of freezing and storing embryos for future use. Embryos are the early stages of development in an unborn baby, created when a sperm fertilizes an egg. During in-vitro fertilization (IVF) processes, eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries and then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then incubated until they reach the blastocyst stage, which typically takes about five days. At this point, the embryos can be cryopreserved for future use by gradually cooling them to -196°C in a special solution containing cryoprotective agents such as DMSO or glycerol. The embryos are then stored in a cryogenic tank or vial until they are needed for use in fertility treatments. When ready, the embryos can be thawed and used for various fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI.
Cryopreservation of eggs is beneficial for women who want to preserve their fertility due to age, illness, or lifestyle factors. The eggs can be stored until they are needed for future use in fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination. Egg cryopreservation also offers greater control and flexibility when planning family size than traditional IVF treatments.
Cryopreservation of sperm is beneficial for individuals who want to preserve their fertility due to age, illness, or lifestyle factors. The sperm can be frozen and stored until they are needed for future use in fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm cryopreservation reduces the need for multiple egg retrievals and fertilizations during IVF cycles.
Cryopreservation of embryos is beneficial for couples who are struggling with infertility or whose partners may not be able to produce viable embryos. The embryos can be frozen and stored until they are needed for future use in fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination. Embryo cryopreservation also offers greater control and flexibility when planning family size than traditional IVF treatments, as well as the option for embryo donation or surrogacy in cases where the woman is unable to carry her own pregnancy.
Dr. Jagrati Laad will go into more detail about this during the consultation, providing answers to any questions you may have.
Dr. Jagrati Laad MD is an accomplished Obstetrician and Gynecologist specialist in Infertility Treatment. She has a Master's Degree in Medicine from SSG Hospital and Government Medical College Vadodara and is certified in Ultrasonography by FOGSI (The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India). Her Fellowship in Infertility from the reputed Nadkarni Hospital and Test Tube Baby Centre, Vapi, Gujarat has given her hands-on experience in assisting couples with infertility issues. Dr. Laad is passionate about Infertility treatment, management of High-Risk Pregnancies, Hysteroscopy, Antenatal Care, Laparoscopic Surgery, Adolescence Gynecology, Family Planning, and Cancer Detection and Treatment. Her expertise and dedication to her specialty have enabled her to expand the horizons of her field.
Book Consultation
The aim of this website is to provide some clarity on the various complicated issues that arise when it comes to medical conditions. It's not meant to replace an actual consultation with a doctor but merely act as a starting point for your own research.
