​Egg Cryopreservation

​Freezing (Cryopreservation or “Cryo”) of living cells has been successfully used in research laboratories for many years, and increasingly, in veterinary and human reproductive medicine. The first birth results after the freezing and thawing of a human embryo occurred in Australia in 1985 and the number of reported deliveries from the transfer of previously cryopreserved embryos has increased steadily in the United States.
Techniques for cryopreservation of eggs (oocytes) have advanced rapidly allowing the retrieval and storage of unfertilized eggs for later use in reproduction. Eggs that are cryopreserved with these newer techniques have high survival rates.

​The woman’s age, of course, factors significantly into the quality and outcome with cryopreserved eggs. Experience with eggs from young donors is reassuring. Eggs retrieved and thawed years later can be fertilized with a partner’s sperm using standard Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

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​There are many situations where a woman may desire fertility preservation. Most commonly in modern society, family planning is being delayed to find the right partner, and for completion of education, starting of careers and a desire to spend more time as a couple before becoming a family. Also, cancer in young women may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy that can reduce or completely damage viable eggs. In these instances, eggs can usually be retrieved within a 1-2 month period before cancer treatment.