The method for the rapid cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, also known as “vitrification” is one of the most important developments in the field of cryobiology. This method has been applied successfully since 2008 and has significantly improved the effectiveness of assisted reproduction methods.

One of the most important applications of the vitrification method is oocyte cryopreservation.
Through vitrification, we were able to cryopreserve oocytes for the first time, therefore, maintain women’s fertility either because they need to undergo treatments which can be toxic (i.e. chemotherapy), but also if they choose to live motherhood after the age of 38.

The vitrification method allows these women to get their reproductive perspective in their hands for the first time and to protect both their fertility and their dream to motherhood.

The procedure
Women who wish to proceed with a fertility preservation program will have to initially be evaluated by a gynecologist- reproduction specialist, who will assess their fertility level and their overall prognosis. Next steps are:
• The design of the treatment’s protocol
• The commencement of treatment on the 2-3rd day of the menstrual cycle
• Ultrasound monitoring of the cycle
• Egg collection and oocyte evaluation
• Oocyte vitrification

The whole process takes about 12 days and during this time a woman can follow her normal life style and activities.

Effectiveness
“With the vitrification method, more than 90% of the oocytes survive and during all those years this method has been implemented, it is now well confirmed that: Post thawing, the oocytes function exactly like the fresh ones”, notes Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou MSc. PMI-RMP, Clinical Embryology Consultant, Embryolab Academy Director, Embryolab Co-Founder.
Therefore, the better the quality of the oocytes is at the time of their vitrification, the better their prognosis will be once they are thawed. This is why we recommend the vitrification process for fertility preservation programs at ages under 38 y.o., while oocyte quality is still good. However, the overall prognosis is limited when this method is applied to older women.

Οocyte quality during vitrification
The time that the oocytes remain cryopreserved, their quality is not affected at all!
Their dynamic remains unchanged over time!

Oocyte Cryopreservation Program at Embryolab Fertility Clinic
Embryolab’s scientific team is specially trained in the vitrification procedure which is applied with excellent results. Since 2008, oocytes have been systematically cryopreserved with very high survival, fertilization and pregnancy rates, making Embryolab one of the leading IVF clinics regarding the vitrification method.

Embryolab maintains the highest security levels in her cryobank through protocols and strict procedures, as up to date technology electronic systems control all parameters and nitrogen levels to ensure excellent preservation of all precious oocytes. Moreover, Embryolab’s International Academy has trained hundreds of scientists globally in the newest laboratory cryopreservation techniques.

Thanks to the vitrification method, women today, can stop worrying about the passing of time and define their perspective to motherhood.