PGD and Cryopreservation

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (shell) of the egg, and remove one is an advanced technique which blastomere (cell ) of the embryo. allows individual embryos to be The embryos are placed back in analyzed on a genetic level. This the incubator to continue to grow. screening method is accurate The cell will be fixed on a slide or approximately 90% of the time. placed in a tube according to the This process is performed in analysis which is to be performed. conjunction with IVF, and involves The material to be tested is sent the removal, fixation and analysis to the laboratory performing the of a cell(s) from developing analysis. Results are generally embryos. Depending on the produced in 24-48 hours, so that genetic condition being screened an embryo transfer may be for, examination of these cells performed on Day 5. may be performed using different procedures. PGD is recommended for patients Semen Cryopreservation who are affected by, or carriers of, Genetic markers for certain a genetic anomaly in an attempt Semen cryopreservation is the A simple semen analysis is diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are to drastically reduce the probability process whereby sperm is frozen first conducted on the sample. tested utilizing PCR. Chromosomal of passing the condition to their for future use. Any male who is A cryoprotectant, which protects abnormalities may be identified offspring. PGD may also be planning to undergo medical the sperm during the freezing through FISH analysis. indicated in patients of advanced procedures that may leave him process, is added to the semen maternal age or with a history sterile may wish to consider semen sample and gently mixed. At CNY Fertility Center, embryo of recurrent pregnancy loss. PGD cryopreservation. Cancer treatments The suspension is cooled in a biopsy is performed on the offers a means for family balancing such as radiation and chemotherapy refrigerator for a length of time, cleavage stage embryo on Day 3. as the gender of the embryo often reduce fertility or cause and placed into liquid nitrogen (Egg retrieval and fertilization is may be determined through sterility. Certain surgical procedures vapors. The vials are then labeled designated Day 0). At this time, chromosomal analysis. PGD may or intensive medication therapy with the patient’s information, the embryologist will make a small reduce the chance of pregnancy may also result in reduced fertility filled with the sample, arranged opening in the zona pellucida by about 10%. Chromosomal or sterility. Semen cryopreservation on a metal cane that is labeled abnormalities may be identified allows semen samples to be stored and assigned to only one patient, through FISH analysis, or more prior to any procedure of this type, and then plunged into liquid recently utilizing DNA Microarray helping to insure the preservation nitrogen. They are maintained in Technology (Array CGH). of fertility. Often times, male a liquid nitrogen tank for long partners who are scheduled to be term storage. out of town during the course of Continued on back infertility treatment, will freeze a semen sample for use during their absence. Males having difficulty collecting a sample on demand for a procedure may also choose to freeze a sample in advance.

Syracuse • Albany • Rochester www.cnyfertility.com Oocyte (Egg) and Embryo Cryopreservation (Freezing) Oocyte/embryo cryopreservation is • Preserving fertility in patients a process where oocytes/embryos who must undergo medical are immersed in a series of treatments such as chemotherapy solutions which dehydrate the for cancer treatment which may cells and replace the water affect fertility. By undergoing molecules with cryoprotectant, IVF with embryo freezing, the thereby protecting the integrity couple/individual may thaw and of the cells during the freezing transfer cryopreserved embryos process. The oocytes/embryos are following successful treatment. loaded into specially designed • Oocyte (egg) freezing is straws, and placed into liquid currently considered investi- nitrogen tanks for long term gational as eggs are much storage. These frozen oocytes/ more delicate than embryos embryos may be subsequently when it comes to the freezing thawed and used for a future and thawing process. Although embryo transfer. Not all patients significant advances have been undergoing IVF will have embryos made in the technique, success for freezing. Surplus embryos rates are still lower than those remaining after embryo transfer from embryos. Oocyte freezing are evaluated, and if they may be an option for long term have advanced appropriately fertility preservation in situations developmentally, they may where a female may require be frozen. cancer therapy treatment, but currently does not have The two primary methods used a partner and chooses not to in the industry for freezing are fertilize her eggs with “donor” slow freezing and vitrification. sperm. CNY Fertility center is CNY Fertility Center now performs currently performing oocyte vitrification as our method cryopreservation on an for cryopreservation. investigational basis as recommended by ASRM. Indications for egg/embryo cryopreservation include: • Preserving surplus embryos following embryo transfer which may be used in the future to achieve a pregnancy. By transferring frozen-thawed embryos into the uterus, it is possible to achieve 2 or more pregnancies in different years from a single egg retrieval.

Syracuse • Albany • Rochester www.cnyfertility.com