Vitrification is a fast-freeze process that transforms the liquid inside eggs, embryos, and sperm into a glasslike state. This method prevents ice crystal formation, which can damage the cells. Vitrification is commonly used to preserve eggs, embryos, or sperm for future IVF cycles, ensuring higher survival rates after thawing.

Oocyte vitrification allows for the preservation of eggs at their optimal quality, offering women the option to delay pregnancy. It also ensures a higher survival rate compared to traditional freezing methods, improves success rates in IVF, and provides flexibility for future fertility treatments.

Vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival (typically around 95% or above) of embryos, independent of the stage at which they were frozen. This method has become the preferred technique for freezing embryos in IVF due to its effectiveness in preserving their quality and increasing the chances of successful implantation after thawing.

Typically, 10-15 mature oocytes are considered optimal for IVF. However, the exact number can vary based on individual factors like age and ovarian reserve. Having multiple eggs increases the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development, improving the likelihood of a successful IVF outcome.

The best time to freeze embryos is typically during an IVF cycle, after the embryos have reached the blastocyst stage, around Day 5 or 6. Freezing at this stage ensures that the embryos are of optimal quality for future use, maximizing the chances of successful implantation after thawing.

On average, one to two frozen embryos are usually transferred in an IVF cycle for a single baby. However, if the first transfer is unsuccessful, additional frozen embryos may be used in subsequent attempts, depending on the number of viable embryos available after the initial cycle. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends transferring one embryo at a time to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.

Embryos are typically frozen after fertilization during an IVF cycle, most often when the woman is under 35 years old, as younger eggs tend to have higher quality. However, embryos can be frozen at any age, depending on the individual’s circumstances and fertility preservation goals.

Embryo freezing is ideal for couples who have already gone through IVF, as it preserves fertilized embryos. However, egg freezing allows single women to preserve their fertility and delay pregnancy for personal reasons, maintaining reproductive autonomy while keeping their eggs in prime condition for future use.

The pregnancy rate for oocyte vitrification (egg freezing) varies depending on factors like the woman’s age at the time of freezing and the quality of the eggs. On average, the success rates range from 30% to 50% per cycle after thawing and fertilization. Younger women tend to have higher success rates due to better egg quality.