When Is Cryopreservation Needed?
The main purpose of cryopreservation is to preserve high-quality genetic material for use at a later, more favorable time for pregnancy and childbirth. Each type of genetic material has its own indications for cryopreservation.
Embryos
According to reproductive specialists, every woman undergoing IVF is advised to freeze embryos. During IVF preparation, multiple eggs are usually retrieved (especially when superovulation is induced), and only the best are selected for fertilization. Typically, several viable embryos are formed, but transferring more than 1–2 embryos at once is not recommended. Cryopreservation of embryos is useful in cases such as:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or other contraindications to pregnancy in the same cycle as egg retrieval;
- Personal choice to postpone pregnancy;
- Creating a reserve of embryos for future pregnancies (avoiding repeated egg retrieval, sperm collection, and fertilization – only embryo transfer is needed);
- Ethical reasons to avoid discarding viable embryos; such embryos, with consent, may be transferred to a donor embryo bank for use by couples with severe infertility or genetic conditions.
Eggs and Sperm
The indications for freezing reproductive cells are largely similar for both men and women:
- Planning parenthood at an older age while preserving genetic material obtained at a younger, healthier age;
- Progressive diseases that significantly reduce fertility;
- Hereditary predisposition to early menopause (in women) or to diseases causing secondary infertility;
- Need to undergo radiation, chemotherapy, or other aggressive treatments that may harm reproductive cells;
- Working in hazardous environments or using steroids (e.g., by professional athletes);
- Participation in egg or sperm donation programs;
- Occupations or hobbies involving high life risk (e.g., men considering posthumous fatherhood; women can also freeze eggs to allow for surrogacy in case of untimely death);
- Inability to provide genetic material simultaneously with a partner during IVF.
Oocyte cryopreservation may also be performed after ovarian stimulation during IVF preparation, allowing future pregnancies without repeating stimulation and retrieval.
How to Prepare for Cryopreservation
To ensure only high-quality genetic material is frozen, a thorough medical assessment and healthy lifestyle are essential prior to collection:
- Gynecologist/urologist consultation;
- Blood tests for blood type, Rh factor, hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and urogenital infections;
- Additional exams and treatment if infertility is suspected;
- 2–3 months prior to cell collection, it’s recommended to stop smoking, avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, take prescribed vitamins, exercise moderately, and get enough sleep.
How Women Should Prepare for Egg and Embryo Freezing
Freezing an embryo requires egg retrieval and fertilization. Thus, the preparation for oocyte and embryo cryopreservation is similar:
- In addition to general tests, blood tests for hormones and tumor marker CA-125;
- Ultrasound of pelvic and abdominal organs, breasts, and thyroid;
- If there's a family history of early menopause, test for FMR1 gene mutations;
- Consultations with a general physician, endocrinologist, oncologist-mammologist, and geneticist;
- Evaluation for natural egg retrieval or need for hormonal stimulation;
Regular ultrasound folliculometry to determine the optimal timing for retrieval.
How Men Should Prepare for Sperm Freezing
If tests show no infections or abnormalities in semen quality, men should avoid heat exposure and ejaculation for 3–5 days before providing the sample.
