Cryogenics
Gamete and Embryo Freezing
Cryopreservation is the low temperature storage of living cells in such a way that they are still alive and healthy after being returned to their normal temperature. Although not effective for whole organisms or even large sections of tissue at this time, cryopreservation is very effective and extremely useful when applied to single cells, such as eggs or sperm, or very small groups of cells, such as embryos. At our offices in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, we offer embryo freezing as well as sperm and egg freezing as a part of our assisted reproductive technology program.
The Benefits of Vitrification
Vitrification, an advanced freezing process, allows for oocyte and embryo freezing with minimal cell damage. Because slow freezing causes ice crystals to form, which can tear or even burst cell walls, the more quickly we are able to reduce the temperature of stored embryos and gametes, the better the condition they will be in after thawing. With egg or embryo vitrification, the freezing process is so rapid that there is no opportunity for ice crystals to develop, resulting in a smooth, glass-like solid state.
Embryo Freezing and Storage
Embryo freezing is a well-established procedure that allows for the storage and later use of extra embryos created during an in vitro fertilization cycle. It is also a fertility preservation option for women who are facing the possibility of infertility due to chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Although the traditional slow-freezing process has been very effective for the cryopreservation of embryos due to their relatively low water concentration, embryo vitrification offers even better results.
The selected embryos are mixed with a cryoprotectant solution before being placed individually in very fine straws, which are carefully labeled. The straws are then placed in a device that quickly freezes the solution and embryo inside. Once frozen, the straws are transferred to a storage area, where they are kept in liquid nitrogen until they are ready to be thawed.
Embryo freezing, storage, and thawing during in vitro fertilization treatment can be done entirely at our Florida practice. However, women wishing to store their embryos for use after cancer treatment or years later will need to have them transferred to a long-term storage facility, known as a cryobank. We are happy to provide a list of cryobanks that we regularly work with.
Sperm and Egg Freezing
Cryopreservation of gametes, or sperm and eggs, is also a key aspect of many types of fertility treatment. Like embryo freezing, the freezing and storage of sperm has been practiced for years and is very successful. It allows us to collect sperm ahead of time if the male partner will be unavailable for an IVF cycle or intrauterine insemination treatment. It is also a fertility preservation option for men who are going to be undergoing treatment for cancer. All donated sperm is routinely frozen and stored for a six-month quarantine period to ensure that no communicable disease is passed from the donor to the recipient.
Egg freezing has, until recently, been much more problematic than sperm or embryo freezing. However, developments in the use of the vitrification process for freezing have made this a much more promising option than it was only five or ten years ago. Learn more about how it works by visiting our Oocyte Freezing page.
Contact Our Southeastern Florida Practice, near Fort Lauderdale
Contact our Southeast offices in the Fort Lauderdale region of Florida for additional embryo freezing and vitrification information.
