Vitrification of eggs

Vitrification of eggs is a technique that contributes to the preservation of a biomaterial for a long time, which at any time can be used for IVF. The freezing of eggs is carried out in such a way that the germ cell practically does not change during the long-term storage. This is achieved through the use of so-called cryoprotectants, which significantly reduce the effect of low temperature on the organelles of the germ cell. As a result of such a frost, the formation of ice crystals is excluded. Let us consider this process in more detail.

History of vitrification method

It should be noted that the use of this method at times increased the percentage of surviving eggs after defrosting. At the same time, about 90% of all germ cells have excellent morphological parameters, which makes it possible to easily use them in IVF.

Before turning to the essence of the technique, it is necessary to talk about the history of the discovery of this method of preserving the sex cells of the female body.

This technology of egg freezing appeared relatively recently, when the world experienced a change of millennia - in 2000. The author of the technique was the Japanese doctor Masashige Kuvayama. Since the first trial use of this method of preserving the biomaterial, the vitrification procedure has been carried out at least half a million times in more than 1000 different clinics scattered around the world. The first child as a result of the fertilization of a verified female sex cell was born in 2002 in Japan. The experience of Japanese colleagues was used by the Americans, a year later (2003).

At present, the method has acquired some innovations, and has been significantly improved. Thanks to modern cryoprotective solutions, the egg can now be stored for more than 100 years.

How are eggs frozen and stored?

The procedure for freezing the biomaterial is preceded by a whole complex of studies aimed at establishing the quality of the eggs of a female donor. After this, they start the course of hormone therapy, stimulation, the so-called superovulation - a process in which several mature sexual cells simultaneously enter the abdominal cavity. At this time, monitoring with the help of ultrasound apparatus of ripened eggs is carried out with an assessment of their quality.

Selecting the most suitable sex cells for the procedure, the doctor performs a puncture, in which the collection of eggs. The collected material is placed in a special solution. After that, proceed to the very procedure of vitrification.

This method assumes the use of liquid nitrogen as an agent for freezing, the temperature of which is about minus 196 degrees. It is in the capsule with it that the collected eggs are placed.

What are the advantages of this technology and when can it be carried out?

As is known, in all women, by about 35-40 years, a decrease in reproductive function is observed. Thus, the sex glands lose their degree of activity, their work is noticeably worse. That's why women at this age begin to experience problems with conception. According to statistics, by about 35 years, women do not have more than 10% of the total number of oocytes that have been present in the body since birth. At the same time, the quality of germ cells also deteriorates.

That is why the collection of eggs, their vitrification and storage in cryobank is an excellent option for women who, due to certain reasons, can not have a child at the moment (diseases of the reproductive system, oncological processes, etc.).

If we talk about how old the egg is to freeze, doctors say that this procedure can be carried out up to 41 years. However, it should be borne in mind that with age, the number of eggs suitable for vitrification is decreasing.