Blog

What is cryopreservation and why is it used?

Posted on June 14, 2018. By Admin
blog-1

What is cryopreservation and why is it used?

Cryopreservation is a type of assisted human reproductive procedure by which gametes (Sperms & eggs), embryos, and ovarian or testicular tissues can be preserved for many years. The process involves freezing of the cells in extremely low temperatures and thawing in order to use them in assisted reproductive treatments like IVF. Cryopreservation increases the efficiency of infertility treatment and also reduces the discomfort experienced by the patients by eliminating the need to go through the entire process of stimulation and extraction of reproductive cells from the start. Cryopreservation is also considered as a cost-effective procedure as it increases the cumulative success rates since the preserved embryos or blastocysts can be used in consequent cycles for failed cases without the need of spending more money.

The process involved in cryopreservation:

The process of cryopreservation involves freezing of the human tissues in extremely cold temperatures. However, the freezing is not in itself a major challenge. There are certain cryopreservation protocols which need to be followed in order to make sure that the cells survive the freezing and thawing and remain functional. The retrieved gametes or reproductive tissues are placed in placed in straw likes tubes and then placed in an antifreeze solution known as the cryopreservant. Cryopreservants act as an osmotic gradient to aid water movement across the cell membrane, and also as antifreeze. The cells are stored in subzero temperatures until they are required for use in IVF process. There are various cryopreservation protocols, which involve a range of cryopreservants and vary in terms of the freezing and thawing times, storage temperature, and particular cells which are suitable for preserving. Anyone wishing to store their eggs, embryos, or sperms is required to take tests for HIV, Hepatitis B& C, and Cytomegalovirus. Occasionally there can be cellular damage due to freezing, therefore proper preservation protocols must be followed.

Why is cryopreservation used?

Cryopreservation is performed for multiple reasons. The most important one is for the people who want to start families. The embryos and sperms are preserved safely at extremely low temperatures allowing the couples to use it anytime they want to later in life.

  • Cryopreservation can be very useful for couples who would like to preserve their healthy eggs at an early age in order to start a family later in life. This is a great option because the chances of birth defects increase as women get older.
  • Cryopreservation is a good option for men who want to undergo vasectomy but would like to start a family later in life.
  • Cryopreservation is also essential for egg donation
  • Cryopreservation assists sperm donation.
  • Cryopreservation is used for IVF treatment of couples using their own eggs and sperm or donor eggs and sperm.
  • Cryopreservation keeps the eggs viable for future use. Therefore, couples with failed attempts at IVF treatment with fresh embryos or preserved embryos can try again without the need to repeat the entire process.

 Why choose IVF Genesis?

IVF Genesis is a dedicated center of excellence for infertility treatments in Erode district. IVF Genesis specializes in InVitro Fertility treatment (IVF). IVF Genesis houses one of the most modern and completely equipped IVF labs in India with the best cryopreservation facility available. We provide state-of-art equipment and best in class infrastructure. Visit IVF Genesis for all your pregnancy-related problems.