Vitrification Technology: A Breakthrough in Infertility Treatment
During in vitro fertilisation (IVF), patients may produce multiple eggs (oocytes), which, if fertilized, develop into embryos. In some cases, patients may need to freeze (cryopreserve) their oocytes or embryos for future use. Traditional cryopreservation methods, such as slow freezing, can cause damage to the cells due to the formation of ice crystals, reducing their chances of survival.
Vitrification: A Revolutionary Cryopreservation Method
Vitrification is a cutting-edge cryopreservation technique that prevents ice crystal formation by rapidly cooling oocytes and embryos to a glass-like state. This is achieved through the use of specialized cryo-protectants and ultra-fast cooling rates. Once stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures of -196°C, cellular activity ceases, allowing oocytes and embryos to remain viable for indefinite periods.
When patients are ready to attempt pregnancy with their frozen oocytes or embryos, a thawing process is carried out, where the cryo-protectants are replaced with water to rehydrate the cells.
Who Can Benefit from Vitrification?
Vitrification may be recommended for individuals in the following situations:
- Irregular hormonal profiles
- Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Presence of conditions such as polyps, hydrosalpinx, or hydrometra
- No sperm available on the day of oocyte retrieval
- Surplus high-quality embryos available for future embryo transfers, reducing the need for additional stimulation cycles.
This technology offers patients the opportunity to preserve their embryos or oocytes, increasing the chances of pregnancy in future cycles without undergoing further IVF treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Consider IVF?
IVF was initially developed for women with blocked or absent fallopian tubes and remains the preferred treatment in these cases. It is also used for other fertility issues, including endometriosis, male infertility, and unexplained infertility, where no clear medical cause can be identified. Our specialists will assess your medical history and guide you towards the most suitable diagnostic tests and treatment options for your situation.
What Contributes to Male Infertility?
Around one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, which can also contribute to a higher risk of miscarriage. The most common causes of male infertility include:
- Abnormal sperm count or low sperm motility
- Chronic health conditions like cancer
- Environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation
- Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption
- Age
What Contributes to Female Infertility?
Infertility affects both men and women equally, with one-third of infertility cases linked to female factors. Globally, 50-80 million people experience infertility. Common causes of female infertility include.
- Age
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances leading to ovulation issues
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Uterine fibroids
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol, and poor diet
- Unexplained infertility
How Does Age Impact a Woman's Fertility?
Women are born with about 2 million eggs in their ovaries. By the time a girl reaches puberty, approximately 11,000 eggs are lost each month. As a result, by the teenage years, a woman has around 300,000 to 400,000 eggs left. From then on, about 1,000 eggs are depleted monthly. This natural decline in egg quantity is unrelated to birth control, pregnancy, hormone levels, health, lifestyle, or supplements. Eventually, a woman reaches menopause when no viable eggs remain.
Does PCOS Affect a Woman's Fertility?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition where women produce higher levels of male hormones, disrupting normal ovulation and causing irregular menstrual cycles. This hormonal imbalance makes it more difficult for women with PCOS to conceive, making it one of the leading causes of female infertility.
