Egg vitrification makes it possible to preserve fertility by freezing oocytes while they still retain good reproductive potential. Thanks to this technique, they can be used in the future and the impact that time may have on fertility can be reduced.
Although it is a safe and widely used procedure, questions still remain about its possible risks, its impact on future fertility and the chances of achieving pregnancy. Understanding how it works can help each woman make informed decisions about her reproductive future.
How does vitrification affect eggs?
One of the most common concerns is whether freezing can alter oocyte quality.
Thanks to the ultra-rapid freezing process, current vitrification techniques allow oocytes to be preserved in optimal conditions. This has represented a very important improvement compared with previous freezing techniques.
Currently, survival rates after thawing are very high and the results obtained are comparable to those of treatments using non-frozen eggs.
Does vitrification have any effects on the woman's health or the future child's health?
Egg vitrification is a safe procedure and has not been associated with long-term side effects.
Any discomfort that may appear is usually related to the ovarian stimulation required to obtain the oocytes and is generally mild and temporary, such as a feeling of bloating or abdominal discomfort.
Likewise, pregnancies achieved using vitrified eggs progress in the same way as any other pregnancy, and studies carried out to date have not observed relevant differences in the health of children born using this technique.
When is the best time to preserve fertility?
Although many women associate vitrification with women close to the age of 40, the reality is that its main benefit is seen at younger ages.
Oocyte quality progressively decreases with age. For this reason, preserving eggs before the age of 35-36 usually offers higher chances of success when they are used in the future.
Ovarian stimulation does not deplete ovarian reserve
Another common concern is the belief that the hormonal stimulation used to vitrify eggs may accelerate ovarian ageing or reduce ovarian reserve .
However, this does not happen. During each menstrual cycle, the ovary recruits numerous follicles, although usually only one will ovulate. Stimulation allows some of these follicles to be used when they would otherwise be lost naturally during that same cycle.
Therefore, vitrification does not use up additional eggs or reduce future fertility.
Preserving fertility to decide with greater freedom
Egg vitrification makes it possible to expand reproductive options for the future and make decisions about motherhood with greater peace of mind.
At Barcelona IVF , each case is assessed individually in order to provide clear information and help determine whether fertility preservation is the best option according to each woman's circumstances and reproductive plans.
