Differences between Freezing and Vitrification of Gametes and Embryos

1. Differences between freezing and vitrification

In the early days of assisted reproduction, the only technique available was the freezing of gametes and embryos. This process was effective for sperm, but presented great difficulties when applied to eggs and embryos due to their larger cell size. Traditional freezing caused ice crystals to form inside the cells, severely damaging their structure and functionality. For this reason, vitrification was developed as a more effective solution.

1.1 Freezing

Slow freezing is a process in which cells are frozen slowly, which can cause ice crystals to form inside them. These crystals damage cell structures, significantly reducing the survival rate of eggs and embryos.

1.2 Vitrification

Vitrification, on the other hand, is a more advanced process in which cells are frozen at ultra-fast speeds. This prevents the formation of ice crystals, as the intracellular fluid is transformed into a non-crystallised “glass”, preserving the cell structure. This technique has proven to be much more effective for the cryopreservation of eggs and embryos, with much higher survival rates.

2. Egg vitrification

Egg vitrification is the most advanced technique for cryopreserving eggs. This process involves the use of cryoprotectants to replace the cellular fluid and protect the internal structures of the egg during the freezing process.

2.1 Preserving fertility

Vitrification allows women to preserve their fertility for the future, particularly those who wish to delay motherhood or who are undergoing medical treatments that may compromise their reproductive capacity, such as chemotherapy. Egg vitrification ensures that the preserved eggs maintain the same quality as fresh eggs.

2.2 Egg donation

Vitrification has also facilitated egg donation, as it allows donated eggs to be stored without any loss of quality. This has significantly improved the success rates of egg donation.

3. Embryo vitrification

Like eggs, embryos can also be vitrified for storage. The vitrification technique ensures that embryos retain their ability to implant and develop once thawed, allowing them to follow their normal development after thawing.

Embryo vitrification offers the advantage that excess embryos from an IVF cycle can be stored and used in future cycles without the need to repeat ovarian stimulation and follicular puncture.

Do you have frozen embryos or are you planning IVF and want to know if this option is right for you?

👉 Read more about embryo vitrification and its advantages

4. Sperm freezing

Sperm is stored using a different process: slow freezing. As they are small cells, spermatozoa do not form ice crystals that could damage them, making slow freezing highly effective. Sperm freezing is a proven technique with a high success rate, especially in artificial insemination or IVF treatments.

5. Prices

The cost of cryopreservation techniques varies depending on the type of cells to be stored and the process used:

• Sperm freezing: between £200 and £700.
• Egg vitrification: between £2,500 and £4,000, depending on the clinic.
• Embryo vitrification: between £3,500 and £6,000, including the previous IVF process.

We offer the best quality and prices on the market. In addition, we finance egg freezing for only £55 per month.

6. Video on vitrification and freezing

In the following video, Amanda Luis (@mandy_lg) had her eggs vitrified at the Institut Marquès, a decision that allows her to take control of her time and preserve her fertility.❤️⏳