LABORATORY SERVICES: FERTILITY PRESERVATION

Embryo Cryopreservation

Embryos are cryopreserved in order to prevent the waste of embryos and maximize the chances of pregnancy from an IVF attempt.

Egg retrieval under ultrasound guidance and subsequent fertilization and embryo culture are carried out according to our current procedures.

During a medication-prepared frozen/thawed embryo transfer cycle as a patient, you will follow a treatment schedule using Synarel or Lupron, estrogen (pills, lozenge or patch) and progesterone (lozenge and/or suppository) in order to achieve appropriate endometrium (uterine wall lining) for embryo transfer.

Following embryo transfer, estrogen and progesterone will be administered daily until the 7th to 8th week of pregnancy or until a negative pregnancy test.

Sperm Cryopreservation

This procedure is typically administered for male patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or irradiation.  It is also common before a man decides to undergo a vasectomy or for one who may experience difficulties producing fresh ejaculation during IVF.

Sperm is retrieved surgically and is loaded in cryo-vials and frozen in liquid nitrogen.  The frozen semen is then stored until future use for IUI or IVF.

Oocyte Cryopreservation

An oocyte is an immature ovum or egg cell.  Cryopreservation of oocytes is typically done when a young woman must undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatments or is facing the loss of her ovaries.

While the survival rate of frozen-thawed oocytes is lower than that of frozen embryos, it is possible to achieve pregnancy.   

If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please complete the online form or contact us at 610-981-6000.