vitrification vs. cryo

[brn2tch76]

I was just reading about vitrification and how the success rate is increased by using these eggs that have been quickly frozen as opposed to the "slow freeze". Is this something that most doctors are doing now and finding real success with? If there is an increased success rate, how hard is it to come upon these "vitrified" eggs?

[reg.finger]

As you have undoubtedly read, cryopreservation of oocytes (unfertilized) is a lot trickier than cryopreservation of embryos, because the oocyte is one cell and is very fragile. It is, however, true that pregnancies have been achieved with oocytes that have been cryopreserved, thawed, then fertilized, then transferred to the uterus as an embryo.

It is also true that vitrification (rapid freezing) seems to be a more attractive alternative than slow freezing (see, for instance, this web site: http://www.pacificfertilitycenter.com/t ... cation.php. However, I looked at the web sites of several prominent fertility centers and they do not mention offering freezing of oocytes (whereas all or nearly all centers offer cryopreservation of embryos).

It sounds from your post as if you are looking for an oocyte donor, rather than using your own oocytes. I would say that if you are looking at oocyte donation as your next line of treatment, most centers would recommend that you be matched with your donor and undergo a fresh cycle rather than with cryopreserved oocytes.

However, have you considered embryo adoption? There are many hundreds of thousands of frozen embryos in storage, and some of them are available for adoption. It is much less expensive than oocyte donation. Please read further on www.embryodonation.org.

Thanks

Reg Finger, MD

[brn2tch76]

Actually, I was thinking about the embryo donation but wasn't really impressed with the success rates of the frozen embryos (I am the lucky recipient of POF, so would have to use donor eggs). I guess my ultimate question is would it be worth my while to try embryo adoption with frozen or vitrified eggs (if there is even an option) or go straight to the fresh egg donation cycle with a donor?

[reg.finger]

Just so you understand, premature ovarian failure does not rule out use of a donated embryo ...

You have a choice of using a donated embryo vs. using a donated egg (with partner sperm or donated sperm).

If you go with donated egg, then fresh cycle would give you the highest success rate.

Donated embryo is much less expensive however.

Reg Finger, MD, MPH