Vitrification is an improvement from the freezing method because the pregnancy rates are much higher using this method. Another advantage to Vitrification is that the preparation for Vitrification is performed in less than 30 minutes and the actual Vitrification occurs in seconds instead of requiring a 3 hour freezing period.
Indications for Genetic Testing:
- Women over 35 years of age, those with previous affected child, and those with a positive family history have a higher risk of chromosomal problems and miscarriage. Medical history or conditions associated with genetic condition:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (absence of the two muscular tubes that carry sperm from the epididymis to the urethra) is associated with CF (cystic fibrosis).
- Azoospermia absence of sperm in semen with severe oligospermia very low sperm counts, associated with chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.
PGD (Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis) is a technology that allows genetic testing of an embryo prior to implantation and before pregnancy occurs. This technology is used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization and allows only those embryos diagnosed as free of a specific genetic to be transferred into a woman for pregnancy. This testing is performed by removing a few cells from each embryo at 5 or 6 days post retrieval. These cells are sent to a specialized laboratory that performs the testing. The embryos are vitrified to preserve them until the test results are received by the Physician.
PGD testing does not always result in a pregnancy and has additional costs. This technology may not be covered by insurance.
Oocyte (Egg) Vitrification for Banking
The Center is able to provide a cutting edge technology that will greatly reduce the stress of infertility treatment and the many personal decisions that follow. Vitrification is a new method of preserving oocytes (eggs) and embryos. Once vitrified, oocytes and embryos may be preserved in a suspended state of animation for years (see Journal of Business article under News and Events). Oocyte (Egg) banking has allowed Dr. Robins to completely change how IVF cases are managed. Patients worried about having to preserve extra embryos that are not transferred may now choose to vitrify prior to conception, allowing for many different options after the fresh cycle is complete. This new technology also allows patients a way to preserve their fertility for later in life. It is a ground-breaking way for women having difficulty conceiving or women through other disease related health problems to preserve fertility.