Oocyte cryopreservation

Oocyte cryopreservation (commonly referred to as OC or egg freezing) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to preserve human eggs (oocytes). The technique is often used to delay pregnancy. When pregnancy is desired, the eggs can be thawed, fertilized, and transferred to the uterus as embryos. The procedure's success rate varies depending on factors such as the individual's age (with higher odds of success in younger individuals), overall health, and genetic factors. The first human birth of oocyte cryopreservation was reported in 1986.

According to a review, which included 936 live births between 1986 and 2008 in the United States obtained from 58 cryopreservation studies, the incidence of major structural congenital anomalies was 1.3%. There were no significant differences compared to naturally-conceived infants. Studies have been undertaken by the National Institute For Health and Care Excellence, determining that although there is insufficient data for the ideal number of oocytes required for a reasonable pregnancy rate, an estimate based on mathematical models predicted that yielding approximately 20 oocytes is required to achieve a 75% chance of pregnancy in women younger than 38 years old.