Cryopreservation of Human Gametes

What is Cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation of human gametes is a widely used technique in clinical fertility treatments. In this method, sperm, eggs, or embryos are frozen using liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures, allowing them to remain preserved indefinitely. The process may involve in vitro handling or vitrification – a technique where the formation of ice is prevented by rapidly cooling highly concentrated embryos, turning them into a glass-like state. This method is considered a highly effective approach for assisted reproduction.

When to Consider Cryopreservation?

When embryos are exposed to extreme temperatures, there is a risk of tissue damage caused not by the low temperatures themselves, but by the sudden shift from normal to freezing conditions. Since cells react differently at varying temperatures, their response is closely monitored to guide further treatment. To ensure a smoother and safer transition, cryoprotectants are used. These substances help protect the cells during freezing and improve their chances of survival, a process known as cryo-survival.

Application of cryopreservation in human fertility

When a man’s sperm lacks fertility or a woman produces fewer eggs, cryopreservation offers an effective solution by preserving eggs and sperm for future use in fertility labs. This method is especially beneficial for couples who prefer not to use donor sperm, as it can also enhance the chances of success with low-quality sperm. At Progenesis Fertility Centre, we recognize the sensitivity of this process and ensure that fertility potential remains intact, even when using cryopreserved sperm in patients with normal semen profiles. The embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus in sync with her most fertile cycle phase.

Conditions of Cryopreservation

In embryo cryopreservation, embryos are carefully thawed after storage and transferred to the uterus once all necessary tests confirm a favorable chance of conception. Often, multiple eggs are stimulated to grow—allowing for backups in case one attempt is unsuccessful. If one embryo leads to a successful pregnancy, the remaining embryos can be preserved at Progenesis for future use. Similarly, semen can be stored under cryopreservation conditions for up to a year without affecting its quality, and Progenesis ensures it remains safely preserved for future fertility needs.

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