Abstract
The primary objective of this article is to review the most recent progress in oocyte cryopreservation using various slow-freezing and vitrification protocols. There is a significant improvement in the clinical outcomes with higher pregnancy rates following mature metaphase II oocyte cryopreservation. Moreover, some reassuring data were recently reported regarding the long-term safety of this technology. However, overall clinical pregnancy rates following oocyte cryopreservation remain less efficient than the more established practice of embryo cryopreservation. Oocyte cryopreservation is a viable alternative for fertility preservation for women at risk of premature ovarian failure due to diverse factors, such as gonadotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Currently, there are two distinct techniques for oocyte cryopreservation: slow freezing and vitrification. Oocyte vitrification is gaining popularity as the technique of choice; however, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are still required to establish which method is the most efficient and safest for oocyte cryopreservation.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Rachel Hampton, BA, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, for her assistance during the preparation of this manuscript.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.