It is a well know fact that human sperm (spermatozoa) have been successfully frozen for decades and embryo freezing using in-vitro fertilization technology as been ongoing since the 1980’s. Egg freezing is still in its early stages of research and fine tuning. Egg freezing data is sparse in the US but reports are accumulating. In Italy egg freezing research has been ongoing for a decade. This is primarily due to the fact that in Italy and several other countries embryo freezing is prohibited.
In the past, sperm and embryocryopreservation proved successful while egg freezing has not been as successful. At The Frozen Egg Bank, Inc. we have been refining our egg freezing and thawing process. Unlike sperm, the egg is the largest cell in the human body and has more fluid content. During the freezing process, the egg can become damaged with ice crystal. The formation of ice crystals must be avoided to protect the egg’s membrane structure. The water in the egg must be carefully removed and replaced with cryoprotectant without damaging the egg.
At The Frozen Egg Bank, Inc., we have perfected the correct balance of dehydration and cryoprotectant fluid at the appropriate temperature needed for optimal egg survival.
Egg freezing has the potential to be an important adjunct to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in humans. However, the ease and success of cryopreservation programs for sperm and embryos contrast significantly with the problems associated with egg freezing. The results of numerous studies suggest that the survival of human eggs after cryopreservation can be affected by their stage of maturation; their quality and by certain biophysical factors resulting from the cryopreservation procedure itself. Also, the method of egg processing and cryopreservation will have an important impact on the post thaw survival of the eggs.
Developing protocols that optimize the survival, fertilization and developmental rates of frozen-thawed mature eggs has proven to be a major challenge. Nevertheless, we currently mange one of the most successful egg freezing programs in the United States.
With the improved efficiency of egg freezing, young women who are diagnosed with cancer or those who are not ready to start or complete their families can now preserve their fertility potential by storing their eggs while they remain healthy and robust.
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