Vitrification of human oocytes

Minerva Ginecol. 2018 Aug;70(4):415-423. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4784.18.04218-1. Epub 2018 Mar 8.

Abstract

In recent years, growing evidence for the safety and efficiency of oocyte vitrification has made this technique be increasingly proposed for fertility preservation (FP). The populations who could benefit from FP include oncological patients who need the option to preserve their gametes before undergoing potential sterilizing treatment, patients with non-oncologic conditions requiring gonadotoxic chemotherapy and women who wish to delay their motherhood for a variety of reasons. By vitrifying oocytes, women have the chance to conceive in the future, have their own genetic offspring and maintain their reproductive autonomy. This review focuses on describing current knowledge on oocyte vitrification as a means to preserve female fertility. We present the general experience of our group and others in FP for both oncological and non-oncological reasons.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryopreservation / methods
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Oocytes / physiology*
  • Vitrification*