Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation is the process of freezing and storing the mature eggs and embryos to use later in assisted fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination, In Vitro Fertilisation, etc. In simple terms, cryopreservation involves using low temperatures to preserve the embryo, sperm, and eggs for future use. This technology makes a woman/man capable of conceiving in the future with their own gametes if they face fertility issues.
As far as conception is concerned, there are many factors due to which a woman cannot get pregnant, which makes cryopreservation an excellent option for them. The factors include:
- Removing the Ovaries (can be due to cancer)
- Chemotherapy or any other laser treatment can damage the reproductive organs and eggs.
- Taking certain medications that can hinder the egg quality.
- Decrease in egg count due to genetic or medical reasons.
- Older age
Many women might choose to delay pregnancy as well. No matter what the reason is – Cryopreservation is the solution for successful conception.
Types of Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation includes two kinds, i.e., egg freezing and embryo freezing. Let us discuss them in detail.
- Egg Freezing
Egg freezing is a secure option for women who do not wish to use donor sperm or do not have a partner. In this process, hormonal injections are given for about 10-12 days to stimulate the ovaries. The eggs are further retrieved and frozen for future use. Egg freezing takes place two weeks after the onset of the menstrual cycle.
Through the technique of In Vitro Fertilisation, the eggs are fertilised with the sperm and are transferred to the woman’s uterus.
- Embryo Freezing
Embryo freezing, also known as embryo banking, is one of the widely used processes to preserve fertility. This process is used to fertilise the woman’s eggs with sperm in the lab. The embryos are further frozen in the lab. If a woman is undergoing cancer treatment, then embryo freezing is done before the cancer treatment. The eggs are retrieved, and the process takes place two weeks after the menstrual cycle.
In this process, over 50% – 70% of the embryos survive. This process is known as frozen embryo transfer.
Benefits of Cryopreservation
Here are the advantages of opting for cryopreservation.
- Minimal space and labour required
- It is a safe and secure option to prevent genetic contamination.
- The process safeguards and preserves biological samples for longer durations to take the IVF or IUI in later stages.
- It protects the samples from diseases and microbial contamination.
- It helps prevent genetic drift by preserving embryos, gametes, eggs, etc.
Risks Associated with Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation does not pose any risks regarding pregnancy. But there are slight risks that can occur if you opt for cryopreservation.
- Damage to the embryos during the process.
- Embryos might not be viable for the process.
- Women might fail to conceive even after the process.
- Multiple births can take place if more than one embryo is implanted.
Cryopreservation does not have many risks. It is a safe process that can be opted for by women who have delayed pregnancy, older age, difficulty in conceiving, etc. If you wish to opt for cryopreservation, then make sure that you consult your doctor and know all about the process, like risks, complications, success rate, etc.
Why choose Giggles Hospitals?
At Giggles, we offer reasonable fertility treatments with precision and efficiency, reaping the most effective results. Our team of skilled specialists in reproductive health offers individualised care to individuals and couples struggling with infertility through innovative approaches.
We provide complete infertility solutions suited to your specific scenario. We give our best to guarantee that all couples discover the best answer for their reproductive concerns through our superior medical facilities and cutting-edge infrastructure for the best Cryptopreservation chamber.
