Cryopreservation of Human Gametes
What is Cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation of human gametes is one of the most commonly used clinical fertilization methods. In this process, the gametes or embryos and oocytes are frozen under low pressure of liquid nitrogen as they can stay frozen indefinitely in extremely cold conditions. It further is handled in vitro or goes under vitrification. Vitrification can be understood as a process in which any liquid is prohibited from turning its state into solid or ice due to the viscosity of highly concentrated embryos being cooled at a rapid rate. This whole process is a very effective method of having assisted reproduction.
Principle of cryopreservation
When the embryos go through extreme temperatures, there are chances that the tissues might get damaged or may induce damage. The issue of the shock is not due to the low temperature but a transition from a normal to extreme temperature. The cells’ response is recorded to initiate a process for further treatment as it is observed that the cells behave differently in different temperatures. Therefore, to enhance a safe transition, cryoprotectants are used. These cryoprotectants are used to establish cryo survival.
Application of cryopreservation in human fertility
When the sperm is not fertile enough or the woman produces a lower count of eggs, the procedure of cryopreservation is used by preserving the egg and sperm, infusing them in the fertility labs. It’s the most efficient method for couples who do not want to use external sperm as it can make poor quality sperms work too. At Progenesis Fertility Centre, we understand the delicacy of the process and make sure the fertility is not reduced when cryopreserved sperms are used for patients with normal semen parameters. An embryo is transferred in the woman’s body as per the cycle during her most fertile period.
Conditions of Cryopreservation
- In the case of embryo cryopreservation, the embryos are thawed after being stored for a period. Then, transferred in the uterus after ensuring that all the tests are positive & the chance to conceive is high. There are many cases where multiple eggs are stimulated to grow, so that if one doesn't work, another can be tried. If one is successful, then the other can be stored with Progenesis using cryopreservation for future use.
- The semen can also be preserved in the cold conditions provided by cryopreservation for about a year without compromising the quality of the sperm. With Progenesis, they can be saved for future aspects too.
