Vitrification

Vitrification is necessary during IVF treatment in India – why?

In recent years, IVF clinics in India suggest the vitrification process at the start or during the treatment. Some feel like it’s a waste of money, and others feel that slow freezing (an outdated technique) is better. But the truth is, choosing vitrification to freeze the eggs or embryos is an efficient and cost-effective method in the long run. To attest to this point, the below information will show you what vitrification truly is.

Why need vitrification?

During the IVF (in vitro fertilization) process, a patient will produce many embryos. Not all of the produced embryos get implanted in the uterus. So, the extras get stored for future use. Even eggs can be frozen for later. When required, the eggs can get thawed and implanted in the uterus after fertilization.

One of the major problems of freezing any human cells is that the fluid in them forms ice crystals. These crystals can damage the structure of the cell, which makes it unusable after thawing. This is where vitrification comes into the picture. Here, the eggs or embryos get frozen rapidly by sudden cooling – to avoid the possibility of ice crystal formation.

Because of this, the cells’ structure remains intact during the whole process and storage. For this reason, IVF patients get recommended to go for vitrification. Plus, it reduces ovarian hyperstimulation risks and reduces the cost of the whole treatment.

How does vitrification help the patient?

• Suppose the 1st IVF cycle fails; you can go for another attempt if you have extra embryos. Vitrification ensures the safe storage of the embryos so that you can use them whenever needed.
• The process of egg retrieval is tough. If the patient wants to have another child without the egg retrieval process after a few years, this is a safe option.
• If one of the mates has to undergo radiotherapy or chemotherapy, there are chances for infertility. In such cases, storing embryos or eggs using vitrification is a recommended option.

What is the process of vitrification?

• First, the egg or embryo from the patient gets placed in a cryoprotectant. This is a protective substance to safeguard the embryo.
• Using liquid nitrogen, the cryoprotectant drop with the embryo gets rapid cooling. In this stage, it reaches a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius. Since cooling is rapidly done, the fluid inside the cells cannot form ice crystals.
• Once the embryo gets frozen, it gets stored in a container with liquid nitrogen.
• When needed, the embryo gets warmed to body temperature. After that, cleaning is done to remove the protective substance. Only after this step that the stored embryo gets used for the treatment.

As you can see, the complete process of vitrification is simple. Rather than going through another stimulation cycle for eggs or embryos, safely store them. If this process still quizzes you, ask the best IVF specialist in India.