Cryopreservation is a fascinating process that allows us to store various types of cells and tissues for future use. Essentially, it involves freezing these materials at an incredibly low temperature of -196°C in liquid nitrogen. The term “cryopreservation” comes from the Greek word ‘kryos,’ which means ‘very cold.’
What Can We Preserve?
In the realm of fertility treatments, cryopreservation is a widely accepted method. Clinics across the Netherlands, including ours, typically offer the freezing and storage of several materials, such as:
- Unfertilized Oocytes: When we freeze these, we utilize a specialized technique to minimize damage. Since unfertilized oocytes contain more water than their fertilized counterparts, they are more susceptible to harm during freezing. However, by using the vitrification method, we can ensure that nearly all oocytes survive the freezing process.
- Embryos: Since 2016, we’ve been freezing embryos during the blastocyst stage, about five days after oocyte retrieval. More than 95% of these blastocysts remain viable after being thawed.
- Sperm Cells: Sperm can also be stored through cryopreservation, particularly if there’s a risk of damage during treatment or due to health issues. We also provide options for men undergoing sterilization surgeries or those who might be away from their partners for an extended period. Donor sperm is frozen after thorough screening for infections.
When Is Cryopreservation Beneficial?
- During IVF/ICSI Treatments: It’s practical to freeze high-quality leftover embryos from IVF or ICSI cycles for future use. This can save parents from undergoing hormone treatments and oocyte retrieval again if they wish to have another child later. This is often called cryotransfer or embryo transfer.
- For Severe Illnesses: Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can pose infertility risks. Patients can discuss freezing their sperm, testicular tissue, oocytes, or ovarian tissue before starting treatment as a precaution.
- Social Freezing: Many young women might want to delay pregnancy for personal reasons—like focusing on career or finding the right partner. In the Netherlands, they can freeze their oocytes to use later, facilitating a higher chance of pregnancy down the road.
How Does Cryotransfer Work?
When someone wants to use a frozen, fertilized oocyte, we thaw it and place it in the hopeful mother’s uterus at the right time in her menstrual cycle, a process known as cryotransfer. If unfertilized oocytes are frozen, they first undergo fertilization via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Depending on the woman’s cycle, the cryotransfer can either happen naturally or be supported with hormones to prepare the uterus for implantation.
Are There Risks?
Cryopreservation has been a standard practice for years, and research generally indicates it doesn’t have adverse effects. However, personal medical advice tailored to individual situations is always recommended.
Insurance Coverage
In the Netherlands, most insurance plans cover the freezing of embryos resulting from IVF or ICSI, with coverage for up to three treatments per successful pregnancy. Unfortunately, the cryopreservation of sperm or oocytes is typically not included.
If you’re interested in learning more about fertility treatments, there are plenty of resources available. For example, if you’re curious about home insemination, you might want to check out this blog post about LGBTQ couples and their positive experiences with at-home insemination from Make a Mom. You can also explore more about in vitro fertilisation through this detailed Wikipedia entry. And if you’re considering at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom offers an excellent selection as well.
In summary, cryopreservation is a valuable technique, especially in fertility treatments, allowing individuals and couples to preserve their reproductive options for the future.