Gamete Cryopreservation Services
With advancements in modern technology, it is now possible to preserve embryos and reproductive cells (gametes) for future use. The vitrification technique, a rapid-freezing method, has been developed and is now widely used because it causes minimal damage to embryos and gametes. During this process, embryos and gametes are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -195°C, which halts all cellular activity, allowing them to be safely preserved for long periods of time.
For patients undergoing IVF or ICSI, if a large number of eggs are retrieved, there is a greater chance of producing more embryos. Embryos that are not used for transfer in the first cycle are preserved through cryopreservation (freezing). These frozen embryos can be thawed and transferred in future cycles when needed.
The freezing of embryos and reproductive cells (such as eggs and sperm) can also be applied in other situations — for example, patients diagnosed with cancer who need to undergo treatments that may damage reproductive cells, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation)
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is the process of preserving a woman’s eggs at very low temperatures (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) for future use. This method is popular among women who wish to plan pregnancy in alignment with their lifestyle or career or for those who may face health conditions affecting egg quality.
Main Steps of Egg Freezing
Health evaluation and blood testing – including hormone levels, ovarian reserve (AMH), and ovarian ultrasound.
Ovarian stimulation – daily hormonal injections for about 10–12 days to stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
Egg retrieval – the doctor collects eggs from the ovaries using a needle under short-acting anesthesia.
Egg selection and freezing – mature eggs are selected and preserved using the vitrification technique, which minimizes ice crystal damage.
Storage in liquid nitrogen – eggs can be safely stored for many years without deterioration in quality.
Reasons Why Women Choose Egg Freezing
Future planning: For women not ready to start a family but wish to preserve good-quality eggs before aging affects fertility.
Age over 35: As the number and quality of eggs decline, freezing helps preserve fertility potential.
Medical conditions: For patients with cancer or other illnesses requiring chemotherapy or radiation that can damage the ovaries.
Personal or career reasons: To delay pregnancy until the timing feels right.
Advantages
Increases the chance of having a biological child in the future.
Reduces concerns about age-related egg quality decline.
Limitations
The quality of the eggs depends on the woman’s age and health condition at the time of retrieval.
Sperm Freezing (Sperm Cryopreservation)
Sperm freezing or sperm cryopreservation is the process of preserving a man’s semen sample at very low temperatures (-196°C in liquid nitrogen) for future fertility use.
Steps of Sperm Freezing
Health screening and consultation – including blood tests and screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Semen collection – through masturbation in a private room at the clinic.
Sperm quality assessment – analyzing sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen – sperm can be stored for many years with minimal quality degradation.
Common Reasons for Sperm Freezing
Before cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation can impair sperm production.
Before vasectomy: To preserve fertility options for the future.
Occupational risks: For those in high-risk professions such as military personnel, pilots, or workers exposed to radiation or chemicals.
Fluctuating sperm quality: For men whose sperm count varies, freezing during optimal times ensures good-quality samples.
Future family planning: For men not ready to start a family but wishing to preserve reproductive potential.
Advantages
Simple and less complicated than egg freezing.
Can be used for IUI, IVF, or ICSI procedures in the future.
Reduces anxiety in case fresh sperm samples are not available when needed.จริง
Limitations
Sperm quality depends on the man’s health and age at the time of collection.