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 Fertilization, etc. In simple terms, cryopreservation involves the use of low temperatures to preserve the embryo and eggs for future use. Here, Egg Freezing meaning is storing the healthy eggs of the female at very low temperatures to keep them intact and safe from any degradation.

This technology makes a woman capable of conceiving in the future with their own eggs 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. The factors include:

• Removing the Ovaries
• 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 whatever 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 in order 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 Fertilization, the eggs are fertilized 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 fertilize 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. The success rates of this process are pretty high, but the rate varies based on the embryo quality, the age of the woman, the infrastructure of the fertility clinic, and the experience of doctors.

Benefits of Cryopreservation

Here are the advantages of opting for cryopreservation.

• Minimal space and labor 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 in the prevention of 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.

These are some possible risks that one must know of. Cryopreservation does not have many risks. It is a safe process that can be opted 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. Have a proper discussion with your doctor before you opt for cryopreservation.