Cryopreservation of Human Gametes
What is Cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is a proven technique used in fertility treatments to preserve sperm, eggs, or embryos at ultra-low temperatures using liquid nitrogen. By freezing these cells, they can be stored indefinitely without losing their viability. A popular method known as vitrification prevents ice formation by rapidly cooling the cells into a glass-like state—enhancing survival rates during thawing and increasing success in assisted reproduction.
When Should You Consider Cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is useful in a range of situations, especially when:
- Sperm or egg quality is compromised
- Egg reserves are low due to age or medical conditions
- Fertility preservation is needed before cancer treatments
- Couples wish to delay parenthood or plan for multiple pregnancies
- Avoiding the use of donor sperm is preferred
To protect the cells during the freezing process, cryoprotectants are used. These agents help maintain the integrity of the sperm, eggs, or embryos during temperature transitions, minimizing the risk of damage and improving post-thaw survival—known as cryo-survival.
Applications in Fertility Treatment
Cryopreservation provides options for:
- Men with low sperm count or quality, allowing storage for future use
- Women with declining egg reserves, enabling them to preserve fertility potential
- Embryo banking, where extra embryos from IVF can be frozen for later cycles
- Fertility preservation before medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery
At Progenesis Fertility Centre, we ensure that cryopreserved sperm, eggs, or embryos are handled with the utmost care, using advanced freezing and storage technologies. Even patients with normal semen profiles may benefit from freezing if timing or lifestyle factors require planning for the future.
Conditions and Safety Measures
- Embryos are thawed and transferred during the most fertile phase of the woman’s cycle, after comprehensive testing.
- Sperm can be preserved for up to a year (or longer), with quality maintained through proper storage conditions.
- Multiple eggs or embryos are often collected and preserved to increase success rates across multiple IVF cycles.
At Progenesis, we prioritize safety, accuracy, and patient confidence throughout the cryopreservation process.
For Males Facing Infertility Issues
Cryopreservation stores viable sperm for later use.
For Females with a Reduced Egg Reserve
Eggs can be frozen early to preserve fertility for future use.
For Couples Avoiding Donor Sperm
Cryopreservation enhances the chances of conception using the couple's own gametes.
