The Yale Fertility Center is offering a new reproductive procedure known as oocyte cryopreservation that lets women freeze their eggs for use at a later time. The new service is being headed up by Pasquale Patrizio, Director of the Yale Fertility Center, who explained that the technique was aimed at three particular groups of women: those diagnosed with cancer who have not yet begun chemo or radiotherapy; those undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technologies who, for whatever reason, do not wish to pursue embryo freezing; and those who do not have a partner but would like to preserve their future ability to conceive a child.
The service includes consultation, evaluation, and instruction on the use of fertility medications to increase the number of naturally produced eggs. Patrizio said the overall success rate is around 2-3 babies born per 100 eggs preserved. Compared to conventional in vitro fertilization with non-frozen eggs - eight to nine babies born per 100 eggs - these rates appear low, but should increase as the technique - which is still considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine - is refined. Success also depends on the age of the donor, with eggs frozen from women before the age of 35 having a better chance of producing a successful pregnancy.
Women can find out more about the service by contacting the center on 203-764-5866 or 203-785-7873.
Source: Yale University
