Human Oocyte Banking; Clinical Applications and Limitations

Navid Esfandiari; Z Nazemian; F. Casper Robert

International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences

Current Issue All Issues In Press Search

Journal Information Boards and Committees Indexing and Listing Sources Journal Metrics Open Peer Review (OPR)Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement Contact Us Support Reviewer and AE Registration Form

APC

Authors Guide Submit Manuscript

Human Oocyte Banking; Clinical Applications and Limitations

Author(s):

Navid Esfandiari^1,*,

Z Nazemian²,

F. Casper Robert²

1Toronto Centre for Advanced Reproductive Technology (TCART) and Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, nesfand@tcartonline.com, Canada

2Toronto Centre for Advanced Reproductive Technology (TCART) and Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Canada

International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism:Vol. 4, issue 4; 216-223

Article type:Review Article

Received:Jan 10, 2005

Accepted:Nov 18, 2005

How to Cite:Navid EsfandiariZ NazemianF. Casper RobertHuman Oocyte Banking; Clinical Applications and Limitations.Int J Endocrinol Metab.4(4):216-223.

Abstract

Throughout the last two decades, significant advances have been made in oocyte cryopreservation and over 150 babies have been born from fertilized frozenthawed oocytes. Oocyte cryopreservation is analogous to semen cryopreservation for men. It is potentially the best way to preserve female fertility and offers important benefits to unmarried women or young girls at risk of losing ovarian function as a result of surgery or cancer chemotherapy, women who work with toxins or teratogens, and women who are concerned about age-related infertility. Many women today are involved with education or developing their careers and for majority of them, being married and having children may not be feasible until they are in their late 30s and early 40s. In all of these cases, oocyte cryopreservation may be an appropriate solution. On the other hand, cryopreserved oocytes of infertile couples that have completed their families could be an important source of oocyte donation to help other couples. In addition, oocyte cryopreservation presents an attractive alternative to embryo storge, which is often fraught with religious, ethical, and legal complications. While oocyte cryopreservation success has increased overtime, the pregnancy rates remain low and there is still concern about the safety of the procedure.

Keywords

Oocyte

cryopreservation

fertility preservation

infertility

Full Text

Full text is available in PDF

comments