Oocyte cryopreservation

This is currently the most widely used technique for preserving fertility in women. This option should be offered before starting cancer therapy.

It is carried out by vitrifying or “flash freezing” these cells. It is the most recommended technique to preserve fertility, as long as enough time is available and the woman has sufficient ovarian reserve.

How are subjects prepared for this?

In the same way as with in Vitro Fertilisation treatments: hormone stimulation is conducted before actual oocyte cryopreservation is performed. This stimulation consists of the daily administration of hormones subcutaneously (the same form of administration as used, for example, by diabetics when injecting insulin).  

How long does it last?

The treatment lasts 10-12 days and requires strict control through laboratory tests and vaginal ultrasound.  

How it is performed?

When the ovaries are sufficiently stimulated, the patient is sedated in the operating room and an operation lasting approximately 20 minutes is performed to remove the ovules. The ovules obtained are vitrified and stored in the laboratory.  

What happens next?

It has been observed that the greater the number of vitrified ovules, the greater the number of embryos that can be obtained and the better chance of achieving a pregnancy. The ideal number of ovules to be vitrified to ensure success is not known; however, extensive studies have shown there is a 39% probability of a live birth in those patients providing 11-15 oocytes.