Cryopreservation

Embryo Cryopreservation

Human embryos have been successfully frozen since 1980’s. The effectiveness and safety of this technique has been well documented. Embryo freezing usually follows an IVF cycle where extra embryos are available. Those embryos can be stored for prolonged periods and still result in successful pregnancies. Even tough the success rates using frozen embryos are lower than those associated with fresh embryos, the gap is rapidly narrowing.

LifeLine Cryogenics offers safe and reliable long-term storage of embryos. Our state- of-the-art facility allows for constant monitoring of the storage conditions, which are vital for a successful outcome. We can make arrangements to transport and accept embryos from facilities around the United States.

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation

Freezing of ovarian slices of entire ovaries is an exciting new development. In surgical cases when the ovaries need to be removed or in cases where chemotherapy needs to be administered without delay. Removal and freezing of the ovary or even a segment of the ovary may be the only option for certain individuals. Similar to sperm and embryos, frozen eggs can be stored for prolonged periods without any deterioration in quality or pregnancy potential. When needed, the frozen egg will be thawed, fertilized and placed into the woman’s uterus. Preliminary studies are being conducted regarding the possibility of implanting ovarian tissue back to the individual following successful treatment of their cancer.

• Ethical Concerns

Some couples have serious concerns with storage of fertilized eggs, which they consider as potential babies. Death and divorce can pose moral and legal dilemmas as to the proper dispositions of these embryos.

• The Absence of Male Partners
  
  Women whose reproductive potentials is threatened by age chemotherapy, environmental exposure, etc. and who do not have a male partner cannot take advantage of embryo freezing.
• Potential Risk of Ovulation Induction Therapy
  
  Standard IVF involves the use of high doses of fertility drugs. In certain individuals (strong family history of ovarian cancer), continued treatment with these drugs may not be available.
• Technical Information
  
  Egg/Oocyte storage clients are required to have the following infectious disease testing at the time of storage.
• HIV I & II
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody
• Hepatitis C
• Syphilis

All test results remain confidential. It may be necessary to report certain positive test results to the State Health Dept.