.jpg)
Cryopreservation is a process that involves freezing and
storing biological materials at very low temperatures to preserve them for
future use. In the context of reproductive medicine, cryopreservation is
commonly used for the preservation of gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos. It
allows individuals or couples to store their reproductive cells or embryos for
later use, preserving their fertility.
Here are two important applications of cryopreservation in
reproductive medicine:
Fertility Preservation: Fertility preservation refers to the
process of preserving reproductive cells or tissues to safeguard fertility for
individuals who may face threats to their fertility in the future. This can
include individuals undergoing medical treatments that may potentially affect
their fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. In
women, fertility preservation typically involves the cryopreservation of eggs
or ovarian tissue. In men, it involves the cryopreservation of sperm. These
preserved cells can be used in the future to attempt conception when the
individual is ready to start a family.
Embryo Cryopreservation: In the context of in vitro
fertilization (IVF), excess embryos that are not transferred during the fresh
IVF cycle can be cryopreserved for future use. These embryos are frozen and
stored at very low temperatures using specialized techniques. Embryo
cryopreservation allows couples to preserve and store their embryos for later
transfer in subsequent IVF cycles, increasing the chances of achieving
pregnancy without the need for further ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
Cryopreservation of reproductive cells and embryos offers
several benefits, including the ability to preserve fertility, provide options
for future family planning, and offer a backup in case of failed IVF cycles or
other fertility challenges.
