When an assisted reproduction treatment is finished (IVF-ICSI, IVF with egg donation), the embryos which are not transferred fresh must be cryopreserved. Frozen or vitrified? Is it the same? What is the difference between both techniques?
Freezing and vitrification are techniques which permit the preservation of cellular structures at low temperatures for an indefinite period until a decision is taken to use them.
The difference between classic freezing and vitrification is the speed of the cooling process. While conventional freezing cools the cells slowly, in vitrification ultra-rapid cooling is applied. The embryos are submerged in certain culture mediums which dehydrate them and protect their structures. This impedes the water in the cell interior forming crystals and therefore, the damage that the embryos can incur during the process minimizes.
After vitrification, the cryopreserved embryos and oocytes are stored indefinitely in nitrogen liquid tanks (at a temperature of -196 °C).
Several considerations are significant in relation to this technique:
• The vitrification does not affect embryo quality. Namely, a devitrified embryo maintains all the properties it had when fresh.
• Embryos can remain vitrified indefinitely. While the embryo is vitrified the cell metabolism is paused, and the embryo does not deteriorate over time.
Good vitrification results in assisted reproduction compared to conventional freezing allowing a quality step ahead in reproduction treatments. Embryos not transferred fresh (remaining embryos) can be preserved, besides, allowing another transfer (deferred cycle) if there is any problem in endometrial preparation or due to other causes without jeopardizing the success of the treatment.
Come to the first visit and get more information or solve your doubts about different treatments. You can contact us by email at info@centromedicomanzanera.com or by sending a contact form through our website: https://centromedicomanzanera.com/en/formulario_en/.
María Pombar Gómez
Embryologist
IMAGE: https://goodfamily.club/es/desaf%C3%ADos-de-fertilidad/tratamiento/egg-freezing-and-vitrification-1960186/
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