In vitro fertilization:- collection and cryopreservation of gametes?
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Dec 11, 2023
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves the collection and cryopreservation (freezing) of gametes, which are the reproductive cells involved in fertilization.
The process typically begins with the stimulation of the ovaries in the female partner using hormonal medications. This stimulates the development of multiple eggs instead of the usual one egg that is released during a natural menstrual cycle. The eggs are then collected through a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval. This procedure is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia.
During the egg retrieval procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the ovaries through the vaginal wall. The follicles, which contain the eggs, are aspirated, and the eggs are collected. The collected eggs are then examined under a microscope to assess their quality and maturity.
On the other hand, the male partner provides a semen sample through masturbation on the same day as the egg retrieval. The semen sample is analyzed in the laboratory to assess the sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Once the eggs and sperm are collected, they can be used for fertilization in one of two ways: conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In conventional IVF, the eggs and sperm are mixed together in a culture dish, allowing the sperm to naturally fertilize the eggs. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into each mature egg using a microneedle.
After fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days to allow them to develop further. At this stage, the embryos can be transferred into the uterus of the female partner for implantation or cryopreserved for future use.
Cryopreservation involves freezing the embryos or gametes using a specialized freezing technique called vitrification. This process rapidly freezes the cells, preventing the formation of ice crystals that could damage the cells. The frozen embryos or gametes can be stored for an extended period and thawed when needed for future IVF cycles.
Cryopreservation of gametes allows couples to preserve their fertility by storing eggs or sperm for later use. This can be beneficial for individuals undergoing medical treatments that may affect their fertility, such as chemotherapy, or for those who wish to delay parenthood for personal or professional reasons.
Overall, the collection and cryopreservation of gametes are crucial steps in the IVF process, enabling couples to have more control over their reproductive choices and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.