Oocyte banking is a rapidly advancing, breakthrough technology. In this technology a woman's eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen and stored in oocyte bank. These eggs may be used later when she is wants to conceive. The procedure of oocyte freezing is similar to embryo freezing. The oocytes are stored just like embryos in tanks of liquid nitrogen. The eggs are thawed before use and then fertilized and the embryos are transferred to the uterus. This innovating procedure can help to preserve fertility in women about to start cancer chemo/radio therapy.
Oocyte banking is especially useful for women
- Diagnosed with cancer who are to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy; as these therapies are toxic for oocytes, and leave few, if any, viable eggs
- With fertility related issues undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technologies who do want to go for embryo freezing and
- who intend to preserve their ability to have children in future such as single women or women with some personal or medical problem.
Method of oocyte cryopreservation: For oocyte cryopreservation the eggs are retrieved after treatment with hormones. Treatment with hormone injections promotes development of several follicles, so that many eggs are available for egg retrieval. Once the follicles appear mature and are ready for ovulation H.C.G. is given. Eggs are retrieved 33-36 hours after administration of H.C.G. The eggs are retrieved with an ultrasound-guided needle through the vagina and they are then immediately frozen (vitrified). Special cryoprotectant are used to inhibit the formation of ice crystals in the eggs and prevent the integrity of the eggs.
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