It often happens that during the process of IVF (in vitro fertilization), it is possible to obtain several high-quality embryos.
It often happens that during the process of IVF (in vitro fertilization), it is possible to obtain several high-quality embryos. However, in order to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancy, only two or three of them are transferred to patient’s uterus. The remaining embryos are recommended to be saved for the future. For that purpose, modern cryotechnologies are used, in particular, the vitrification method of embryos freezing. It can instantly freeze embryos, so that they could be successfully used in subsequent IVF protocols.
Embryo HYPERLINK is a special method of cryopreservation aimed at ultrafast freezing. The main feature of this method of preserving embryos and other biomaterials is that the liquid in the material does not crystallize, but takes a vitreous form, which allows avoiding cell damage during defrosting.
As a rule, embryo vitrification is performed in specially equipped laboratories by qualified personnel for 3-5 days of the embryo’s lifetime. Statistics show that the survival rate of embryos in this process of preservation reaches 99 percent. In addition, in the course of numerous studies, scientists were able to prove that malformations when planting thawed embryos are found no more frequently than when planting fresh embryos.
The emergence of this new method of cryopreservation has become a real revolution in reproductive medicine. Now, in Ukraine IVF specialists are able to delay the transfer of healthy embryos for a required period of time (until the next menstrual cycle, or the required thickness of the endometrium, etc.).
In addition, if an IVF protocol was unsuccessful, the vitrification of embryos would make it possible to carry out a new infusion of embryos in the next cycle, while the embryos are completely ready for this. In this case, a female patient does not need to undergo stimulation and a procedure for obtaining mature eggs, which significantly saves time, financial resources and energy.
Thanks to this method of high-quality preservation of embryos, fertility specialists have the opportunity to prescribe an embryo transfer procedure precisely on the day when the probability of pregnancy becomes as high as possible, while reducing the risk of multiple gestation. As a result, the couple can determine the desired number of future children.
What Is the Vitrification Procedure?
The embryos obtained as a result of successful fertilization are transferred to special containers and immersed into a tank with liquid nitrogen, the temperature of which is -196 degrees. The embryos can be stored for a long period of time until the next defrost.
The defrosting process is also quite simple: embryos are extracted from the liquid nitrogen and placed in the so-called culture medium, due to which it is possible to remove the remnants of the cryoprotectant, which is used for freezing.
When Is Embryo Vitrification Indicated?
Embryo vitrification is recommended not only upon receiving an excessive number of “quality” embryos in an IVF protocol, but also in such cases as an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or diseases like uterine underdevelopment, endometrial polyps, etc.
In addition, many scientists claim that during an IVF protocol, it is preferable to use those embryos that have been vitrified. Numerous studies confirm that when a thawed embryo is transplanted, the risk of premature birth as well as the birth of a dead child is significantly reduced.
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