Vitrification is a scientific technique by which an extremely rapid cooling of the cells is performed thus preventing the formation of microcrystals of ice at the intracellular level, and avoiding the risk of structural damage of embryos or oocytes at the cellular level. With this procedure, we prevent the damage of embryos or oocytes, increasing rates of implantation, and therefore of conception in the mother.

Indications for oocyte vitrification

-    Women who are to undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatment and want to preserve their fertility for the future.
-    In Vitro Fertilization cycles in which a large number of oocytes are rpoduced after ovarian hyperstimulation. Some of them can be vitrified and some others can be inseminated in order not to produce an excess of embryos. This option provides a new opportunity of pregnancy to the couple, without having to repeat ovarian stimulation or oocytes extraction from the ovary.
-    Cases in which Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is required but a low number of oocytes is produced, vitrified onesmay be combined with those obtained from a new stimulation of the patient, in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the technique.
-     Oocyte donation cycles in which there is a temporal asynchrony between the donor and the recipient patient, or when oocytes are obtained in excess.