Human oocyte cryopreservation as an adjunct to IVF-embryo transfer cycles

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to develop methods for successful cryopreservation of human oocytes. METHODS: Two cryopreservation procedures were used. Method 1 involved use of 1.5 mol/l propanediol (PrOH)–0.1 mol/l sucrose with medium containing sodium (Na) as cryoprotectant medium, seeding at –7°C, and stepwise dilution of cryoprotectant post‐thaw. Method 2 used Na‐depleted media with 1.5 mol/l PrOH–0.2 mol/l sucrose for freezing, seeding at –6°C, and use of high sucrose (0.5 and 0.2 mol/l) for cryoprotectant removal. RESULTS: The first method was used in seven patients, and gave poor (12.3%) survival results and no pregnancies. The second method was used in 15 patients (16 cycles), and yielded good survival and fertilization rates (74.4 and 59% respectively), with four pregnancies and five healthy infants born to 11 women receiving an embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Using Na‐depleted media along with other alterations in freezing and thawing procedures, human oocyte cryopreservation can provide excellent survival and pregnancy rates.

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