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What is Cryopreservation? |
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Cryopreservation is a method used to "deep freeze" both embryos and sperm so it can be used at a later date.
The basic technique involves the addition of protective substances known as cryoproctants that are applied to prepare the specimen to be frozen.
Liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of -196 C., is used to place the specimen in a state called "suspended animation". Specimens in this state can be stored for long periods of time and used in the future.
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Embryo Cryopreservation? |
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Embryo cryopreservation or embryo freezing is a method used to preserve embryos by cooling and storing them at low temperatures. They can then be thawed at a future date and transferred to the uterus, providing additional opportunity for achieving conception.
As part of the usual process of In Vitro Fertilization, multiple eggs may be stimulated to grow, be recovered from the ovary and become fertilized. This may result in additional embryos in excess of the number that a couple would desire to have transferred back to the uterus at one time. If the additional embryos are of sufficiently good quality to undergo the process of cryopreservation, this can be performed in order to provide another opportunity for embryo transfer. That is, if the IVF fresh embryo transfer does not result in pregnancy, the frozen embryos can be subsequently thawed and transferred to the uterus in either a natural menstrual cycle or a hormonally-controlled cycle. Alternatively, if the IVF cycle is successful, the embryos can be stored for several years should the couple decide to attempt to have more children. NewLife will store embryos with annual renewal of a cryopreservation agreement.
Worldwide, cryopreservation of human embryos has been shown to be a successful procedure and there are no reports of increased birth defects in pregnancies achieved through this process.
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Semen (Sperm) Cryopreservation? |
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Sperm from two sources can be frozen: from ejaculates or from fluid extracted in the operating room during surgical procedures (vasal, epididymal and testicular sperm specimens). The sperm is usually frozen for a period of one year; at that time, future arrangements are discussed. It is generally believed that sperm that have been through the freeze-thaw process are no more likely to result in birth defects than freshly ejaculated sperm. |
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