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What is Vitrification (Oocyte/Embryo)?
Vitrification is an advanced, ultra-rapid freezing technique used to preserve oocytes (eggs) and embryos by turning them into a glass-like solid, without the formation of ice crystals. This method ensures the highest survival rates upon warming (unfreezing) compared to traditional slow-freezing methods. Vitrification helps in planning for pregnancy according to one’s needs and requirements.
Who can opt for Vitrification (Oocyte/Embryo)?
Vitrification is ideal for:
- Couples undergoing IVF, for whom fresh embryo transfer is not feasible – because of thin endometrium, fluid in cavity, medical reasons (or) risk of OHSS
- Women/couples wishing to delay parenthood for personal, career, or health-related reasons
- Couples undergoing IVF having surplus embryos can preserve embryos for future use
- Women diagnosed with conditions or undergoing treatments, like chemotherapy, which might affect fertility
- Individuals using donor eggs
What are the prerequisites for Vitrification (Oocyte/Embryo)?
- For oocyte vitrification, hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval processes are necessary
- Consent forms and discussions about the potential risks and benefits
- A thorough assessment of the quality and maturity of oocytes or embryos is done before vitrification
How does Vitrification (Oocyte/Embryo) work?
The process involves:
1
Dehydration
The oocytes or embryos are first dehydrated to remove water content using high concentrations of cryoprotectants
2
Rapid Freezing
They are then quickly plunged into liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C, ensuring an instant transition to a glass-like state without ice crystal formation
3
Storage
The vitrified oocytes or embryos are safely stored in specialized storage devices containing liquid nitrogen (cryo tanks) until they’re needed
Post-Vitrification (Oocyte/Embryo) Procedure
Once verified:
1
The oocytes or embryos remain preserved indefinitely in their current state
2
When required, they undergo a rapid warming process, which reverses the vitrification, making them ready for use in fertility treatments