Vitrification

Vitrification Technology For Treating Infertility

Patients who undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may produce several eggs (oocytes) which, if fertilisation takes place, will be developed into embryos. Very often and for very different reasons, one patient may need to freeze (cryopreserve) their oocytes or embryos. In the traditional cryopreservation methods (slow freezing), the formation of intracellular ice crystals can damage the structure of the cells decreasing their viability.

Vitrification Technology - Advanced Cryopreservation Technique

Vitrification is an advanced cryopreservation technique for oocytes and embryos that based on the nature of the cryo-protectants used and an extremely fast cooling rate is able to generate a glass-like state preventing the formation of ice crystals during the process. Once stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees Celsius) the cellular activity is essentially brought to a halt, allowing the oocytes/embryos to remain viable indefinitely.

When patients decide to attempt a pregnancy with their cryopreserved oocytes/embryos, a reverse process of thawing will be performed whereby the cryo-protectant will be replaced by water rehydrating the cells.

Who is this for?

Patients having surplus good quality embryos besides the embryos selected for embryo transfer Those embryos can be vitrified in order to have extra chances, if required, of having a baby in subsequent embryo transfers without the need to undergo a new stimulation cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I opt for IVF?

IVF was originally developed for women with blocked tubes or missing fallopian tubes and it is still the procedure of choice for these situations. It is also used when other conditions are present, including endometriosis, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility in which no medical cause for infertility can be found. Our experts will review your history and help to guide you to the treatment and diagnostic procedures that are most appropriate for you.

What are the causes of male infertility?

1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the male partner. Male factors also influence increased rate of miscarriages. Most common causes of male infertility are as follows.

  • Abnormal sperm count or low sperm motility
  • Chronic ailments such as cancer
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to radioactive chemicals
  • Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol
  • Age

What causes of female infertility?

Infertility is gender neutral. It affects the male and the female population. 1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the female partner. In the world 50-80 million suffer from infertility. Most common causes of female infertility are as follows.

  • Age
  • Endometriosis
  • Hormonal issues leading to ovulation problems
  • Tubal blockage
  • Fibroids
  • Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy diet
  • Unexplained infertility

What effect does age have on a woman's infertility?

Women are born with approximately 2 million eggs in their ovaries. Before a girl reaches puberty, about 11,000 eggs die every month. Thus, in her teenage years, a woman has only about 300,000 to 400,000 eggs available. From this point onwards, about 1000 eggs are utilised every month. This has nothing to do with any form of birth control, pregnancy, hormone production, health, lifestyle or nutritional supplements. Eventually, a woman reaches menopause when she has no viable eggs left.

Does PCOS affect a woman's fertility?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) refers to a condition caused by hormonal imbalances. Women suffering from PCOS produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones. This affects ovulation and can result in irregular periods. In some cases, women suffering from PCOS may have irregular periods. This, in turn, can make it harder for these women to conceive. In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.