Oocyte cryopreservation began in 1986 but the application of the method began only in the last 5 years. The advantages and application of cryopreserved oocytes include:
- Risks of premature failure due to:
Chemotherapy
Endometriosis
Ovarian surgery
Genetic predisposition
- Flexibility of IVF procedure due to:
Failure to produce semen sample
Risk of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Oocyte donation
- Family planning (oocyte cryopreservation for future use)
The survival rate of the oocytes after thawing is 69% – 100% with pregnancy rates 23% – 35%. These rates are similar to those of cryopreserved embryos.