Oocyte Cryopreservation for Donor Oocyte In Vitro Fertilization and Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: July 1, 2021

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization and planned oocyte cryopreservation.

Overview

Overview

  • Oocyte cryopreservation freezes eggs in preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) (the process of becoming pregnant without having sexual intercourse).
  • Infertility has many causes, some of which can be bypassed by IVF, wherein eggs and sperm are collected from donors, then combined in the laboratory to produce a zygote (the first stage of a growing baby) that is implanted in the womb.
Note. Donors may be the intended parents or other volunteers.
  • We will use the abbreviation OC throughout this summary to refer to oocyte cryopreservation and IVF to refer to in vitro fertilization.
  • This patient summary focuses on freezing eggs in preparation for in vitro fertilization.

Preparation

Preparation

  • If you wish to become pregnant but cannot by natural means, IVF is a recommended option.
  • If sperm are not available when your eggs are collected, they can be frozen until sperm becomes available.
  • Frozen eggs appear to be as effective as fresh ones, no matter how long they are stored.
  • Eggs from previously successful donors may work better than eggs from new donors.

Treatment

Treatment

  • This treatment works better in younger women.
  • The more eggs that are used, the higher the chance of success.

Source Citation

Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Electronic address: asrm@asrm.org. Evidence-based outcomes after oocyte cryopreservation for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization and planned oocyte cryopreservation: a guideline. Fertil Steril. 2021 Jul;116(1):36-47. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.024. PMID: 34148587.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.