In vitro fertilisation

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a technique in which egg cells are fertilized outside the woman's body. IVF is a major treatment in infertility where other methods of achieving conception have failed.

Cryopreservation

Embryo cryopreservation

If multiple embryos are generated, patients may choose to freeze embryos that are not transferred. Those embryos are placed in liquid nitrogen and can be preserved for a long time. The advantage is that patients who fail to conceive may become pregnant using such embryos without having to go through a full IVF cycle. Or, if pregnancy occurred, they could return later for another pregnancy.

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Oocyte cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of unfertilized mature oocytes has been sucessfully accomplished, e.g. in women who are likely to lose their ovarian reserve due to undergoing chemotherapy{{ref|4}}.

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Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is of interest to women who want to preserve their reproductive function beyond the natural limit, or whose reproductive potential is threatened by cancer therapy. Research is trying to address this issue.

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