The world of fertility, infertility and assisted reproduction has its own jargon, technical and medical terms, acronyms and even euphemisms. We need them! Not only to be better able to understand scientific and medical terms, but also to help us to express ideas in a way that can avoid triggers, be more factual, or even add in some necessary humor to helps us through the darker moments.
Frozen donor eggs is one of these terms. It isn’t the most accurate description of the cryopreserved female human reproductive cells, but it works!
When we use the term “frozen donor eggs” what we are really talking about are vitrified eggs, eggs being the name for eggs cells, and vitrified being the highly specialized process of freezing them.
WHAT IS VITRIFICATION AND WHY DOES IT GIVE BETTER SURVIVAL RATES?
Once the eggs are collected in the egg retrieval procedure, they are taken to the laboratory, where they will undergo the vitrification procedure, performed by specialists in cryobiology. The vitrification process is a method of flash freezing the eggs, and is done in a matter of minutes.
The human egg cell is very delicate, and any crystals of ice that form in them, which occurs in the older technique of slow freezing, can damage their structure and functionality. In vitrification, increasing concentrations of cryoprotectants are added to the eggs, which prevents ice crystals from forming in them. They are then quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen, at -196°C, where they can be stored indefinitely, or until they are needed for donor egg IVF.
At OvobankUS, the egg vitrification process is carried out by qualified personnel specialized in assisted reproduction. As a result, the eggs are processed in the best possible conditions, and after correct thawing, a very high percentage of the eggs survive, nearly 100% in some of our collaborating centers.
FRESH OR FROZEN DONOR EGGS – WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES?
Many people assume that “fresh is better”, but recent studies and statistics show that there is very little difference in success rates of egg donation treatments when the donor eggs are used from fresh, or have been vitrified and thawed. One study evaluated the outcomes of donor egg IVF with both fresh and frozen eggs and found no significant differences between the two, in terms of fertilization rates, blastocyst ratios, clinical pregnancy rates or live birth rates*.
IF THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN SUCCESS RATES, WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FROZEN EGGS?
- An extensive database of donors and phenotypes: by choosing to use frozen eggs, the intended parent has access to larger pool of donors.
- No waiting lists: OvobankUS has a wide variety of frozen donor eggs readily available, so you can find the most suitable donor without have to join a wait list.
- Convenient treatment planning: with no need to wait for a donor stimulation cycle or to synchronize the recipient cycle, treatment can be programmed for the moment that best suits the intended parents.
- No risk of a cancelled cycle: when the eggs have already been retrieved and frozen, as is the case in our OvobankUS egg bank there is no risk of the disappointment and expense of a cancelled stimulation cycle.
- Lower costs: When using a cohort of frozen eggs the price is already known and set, donor medications, testing, analyses, stimulation cycle medical costs and operating theatre costs are already included; allowing you to better manage your family building budget.
If you are thinking about using donor eggs in your search to become parents, and have questions or doubts, then why not get in touch with us today. One of our friendly and helpful coordinators will be happy to help you, and answer all your questions – as many times as necessary – giving you the attention you need to make such an important decision.
*Gursu et al., European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Vol 277, October 2022, 110-115